Senator Andrew McLachlan challenges ASIO questioning powers

Liberal Senator Andrew McLachlan has vowed to challenge the bipartisan consensus on national security following the expansion of ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers. McLachlan crossed the floor to vote against the legislation, which expands the scope of adult questioning warrants to include sabotage, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia’s defence system, and threats to territorial or border integrity.

The laws, which allow the domestic spy agency to require individuals as young as 14 to provide information or materials, were passed by parliament last week. While the government agreed to maintain sunset provisions requiring a review every three years, McLachlan argued that the balance between security and individual liberties has shifted too far toward state power. He has called for a strategic review of the legislation.