Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026

Senator GREEN (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) (10:47): I want to confirm for you that the review, particularly those recommendations relating to safeguards—it's the government's view that they're more appropriately considered as part of a broader electronic surveillance reform, and that will ensure that issuing arrangements and safeguards for the powers introduced by the act align with the arrangements for other electronic surveillance warrants.

You go to the timeframe, and I respect your views. I think it's really important for those listening to understand that the work around progressing comprehensive reforms to Australia's electronic surveillance laws is happening as quickly as possible, and the government is committed to getting those reforms right. The reforms are some of the most complex and significant national security law reforms undertaken in Australia's history.

Before we get into talking about how quickly we should move on this, I just want to remind senators that the reform involves the repeal and replacement of more than 1,200 pages of legislation across four acts of parliament affecting more than 20 Commonwealth, state and territory law enforcement agencies. The legislation, we believe, must be carefully developed to ensure that new laws remain effective, given the rapid pace of change.

The government is committed to those reforms. We are working to progress them. It's a matter for the Home Affairs portfolio, but we certainly recognise the complexity and significance of these changes and we look forward to broad support in the parliament when they're brought forward.