On 5 December 2013, the Senate referred the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Submarine Cable Protection) Bill 2013 to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry and report.

The vulnerability of Australia's telecommunications cables carrying international and domestic traffic to interception has been the subject of recent reporting.

It is unclear whether the oversight mechanisms proposed are sufficient and whether the streamlining of permits processes outlined improve the security of this telecommunications infrastructure.

The closing date for submissions is 15 February 2014. The reporting date is 31 March 2014.