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) (13:08): I can respond briefly. I know others have contributions to make. I just think it's important to recognise that the bill extends the sunsetting clause of current provisions which already contain safeguards.

The government is considering recommendations from the INSLM review so that we can enact comprehensive reform of this system to deal with some of the things that Senator McKim raises. We'll seek to do that, but we can only do that if we are able to extend this sunsetting provision. The only other comment I'd make is that I know the Greens political party have a position about this concept that our law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies are just trying 'to control people's lives'—I think those are the words that you used—but I think the element that you miss is the demand from the community to keep the community safe.

That is there too, and that is what the government responds to, not some conspiracy theory about controlling people's lives. I think even you, Senator McKim, would admit we can't ignore the increased threat that is present when it comes to terrorism, or the increased concerns that people have about online violence and the like. I'm really being very general in my commentary; I'm not referring to a particular provision.

We are unapologetic about keeping Australians safe, and I think that these provisions in this bill do that.