Australian spy agency gains extended power to secretly question people
An unlikely alliance of left and right politicians fails to block an expansion of spy agency powers that would allow it to question people in secret.
A controversial bill, extended powers for Australia's domestic spy agency (ASIO), recently passed the Senate with support from both Labor and the Coalition. This legislation, introduced following the 2001 September 11 attacks and 2002 Bali bombing, grants ASIO the ability to compel citizens to answer questions in certain circumstances.
Since its introduction, the powers have been used sparingly, just 20 times in over 20 years. However, this legislation has seen fierce opposition from some of the most progressive and conservative voices in federal parliament. Senator Alex Antic of the Liberal party and Malcolm Roberts of One Nation, along with the Greens, opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes upon citizens' rights and could lead to widespread fear of the government.
ASIO describes its compulsory questioning tool as "unique and critical," but critics argue it should only be used as a last resort. The legislation's sunset clause, which allowed the powers to expire and be renewed every few years, was removed in this version of the bill, leading to further opposition from conservative members. Despite the opposition, the bill passed, extending ASIO's powers for an additional three years while also broadening the grounds on which someone can be questioned to include politically motivated violence, sabotage, and promotion of communal violence.
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