More interception, less scrutiny as Oz Senate passes new laws

David Bird · #1 03-03-11, 10:41 AM

Australia’s Senate has passed amendments to that country’s wiretap laws, allowing security agency ASIO to pass information across a wide range of government agencies, and apparently to conduct wiretaps on behalf of those agencies.

According to Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, the Australian Security Intellgence Organisation (ASIO) is already more scrutiny-free than similar agencies in the US or England. The new Act makes it possible for ASIO to conduct wiretaps on behalf of other agencies, by request. According to Ludlam, this represents an expansion of ASIO’s remit far beyond its stated purpose.

The Register

David Bird · #2 03-03-11, 10:53 AM

Law enforcement agencies get ASIO expertise.

The Senate has passed a bill that would allow Australia’s spy agency, ASIO, to intercept communications on behalf of Federal, State and Territory law enforcement agencies.

The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Act 2010 was re-introduced by the Attorney-General in the House of Representatives on 30 September, after the 2010 Federal Election.

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