Public Interest Advocate

21/01/2022

The Department of Home Affairs is seeking senior counsel from the New South Wales Bar to nominate themselves for the role of a public interest advocate.

The role of public interest advocates is to consider applications made by law-enforcement and security agencies for journalist information warrants under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and to make submissions as to whether the warrant should be issued and whether any conditions or restrictions should be imposed on the warrant. A journalist information warrant allows agencies to access a journalist’s telecommunications data to identify a confidential source in the investigation of prescribed offences.

More information is in the Telecommunication (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Regulations 2017.

Please note that all QC/SC public interest advocate nominees must have at least a Negative Vetting 1 (SECRET) security clearance to be eligible for the position. Applicants should send their contact details to the Office of the Communications Access Coordinator at cac@homeaffairs.gov.au by 28 January 2022.

Public interest advocates are appointed by the prime minister on the advice of the minister for home affairs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Communications Access Coordinator by phone on 1800 271 030 or via email to cac@homeaffairs.gov.au.