Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025

# Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 ## What it does This bill makes several changes to how ASIO (Australia's domestic spy agency) operates. It extends ASIO's power to question adults about security matters, adjusts the rules for who can oversee ASIO's activities, and sets new expiry dates for some existing powers. ## Why it matters ASIO already has broad powers to detain and question people without charge. These changes give them wider scope to do this and weaken some of the independent checks meant to keep that power in check. It affects how much oversight exists over Australia's security agency. ## Key details - **Adult questioning expanded**: ASIO can now question adults about a broader range of "security matters" (the bill text cuts off, but suggests this goes beyond current definitions) - **Oversight rules tighten**: The people appointed to review ASIO's decisions face stricter disqualification rules and can now be terminated more easily by the government - **Sunsetting extended**: Some existing ASIO powers that were set to expire get a three-year extension from when this bill passes - **Comes into force immediately**: This bill takes effect the day after it receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's approval)