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The Australian Government has made changes to functions overseen by the Attorney-General's Department and Department of Home Affairs. These changes involve the transfers of:

  • identity and biometrics functions into the Attorney-General's Department
  • protective security policy and government and major event security functions to the Department of Home Affairs.

Reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance framework consultation

Closing date

Public consultation

Reforming Australia’s existing electronic surveillance legislative framework is the most significant change to Australia’s national security laws in over four decades. The process involves detailed consideration and extensive consultation with Commonwealth, state and territory agencies, industry, peak bodies, civil society groups, international partners and the community.​​

On 6 December 2021, the Reform of Australia's electronic surveillance framework Discussion Paper (the Discussion Paper) was released. The paper provided an overview of key principles and proposals under consideration as part of the reform, with a particular focus on implementing key recommendations made by a range of inquiries and reviews, including the Comprehensive Review.

In response to the Discussion Paper 63 written submissions were received, including 10 confidential submissions. Public submissions and the discussion paper are available on the Reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance framework discussion paper page.

Consultation will continue with stakeholders and the Australian public throughout the development phase of the draft legislation. Stakeholders and members of the public will be formally invited to comment and make submissions with the release of draft legislation.

Further information

For further information or assistance please contact:
ElectronicSurveillanceReforms@ag.gov.au