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Independent National Security Legislation Monitor

The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (‘the Monitor’) is a statutory office holder who independently reviews Australia’s national security and counter-terrorism laws and can make recommendations for law reform. Law making and law reform are inherently public processes, and the Monitor invites members of civil society groups, the media, government and non-government organisations and the wider community to provide submissions to reviews.

Please follow us on LinkedIn or visit this page regularly for advice about current and future reviews.

Australia's espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and theft of trade secrets offences

The Monitor is currently reviewing Australia’s espionage, foreign interference, sabotage and theft of trade secrets offences (Division 82 and Part 5.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) (Criminal Code)). An Issues Paper has been released; written submissions are due by 20 June 2025.

View the paper | View submissions

Defining terrorism

The Monitor is currently reviewing the definition of a ‘terrorist act’ under Australian law (section 100.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995). The Review is considering the operation, effectiveness and implications of the definition, when read in conjunction with associated offences and powers, as well as whether it remains necessary and proportionate to the threat of terrorism.

An Issues Paper has been released and is open for consultation. Written submissions are due by 14 October 2025 to DefiningTerrorism@inslm.gov.au.

View the paper | Learn more about the review

Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt)

Data Disruption, Network Activity and Account Takeover Powers

The Monitor’s review of the operation, effectiveness and implications of the amendments made by the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Act 2021 (Cth) (SLAID Act) was tabled in Parliament by the Attorney-General on 1 September 2025. This review considered new powers the SLAID Act provided to the AFP and ACIC to disrupt serious crime online, identify offenders through intelligence gathering and to takeover online accounts to gather evidence.

The report makes 21 recommendations. Key recommendations include the establishment of a new system for issuing warrants with a panel of retired judges as the issuing authority, public interest monitors, and a mechanism for access to independent technical advice. A copy of the report may be viewed via the link below.

View the report| View the paper| View submissions| View Hearing