Call for submissions: inquiry into section 35P of the ASIO Act

10/04/2015

Acting Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Roger Gyles AO QC is reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security legislation. In particular, he is examining the impact on journalists of the operation of section 35P of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. That provision establishes offences for the disclosure of information relating to a "special intelligence operation" undertaken by ASIO, where authorised by the Commonwealth attorney-general under Division 4 of Part III of the ASIO Act. The special intelligence operations scheme, including section 35P, commenced on 30 October 2014.

Mr Gyles has called for submissions from members of the New South Wales Bar. For more information, visit the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website. The deadline is 20 April 2015. Submissions can contain general views on the matters raised, highlight problems or suggest alternative approaches. Written submissions can be emailed to INSLMsubmissions@pmc.gov.au or posted to PO Box 6500 Canberra ACT 2600. They should include contact details including a day time telephone number.

Submissions might be published online, so be sure to indicate in your submission if you wish for all or part of your submission to be treated as confidential.