The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2020-2021 and made five recommendations to improve the framework within which it performs its oversight functions of national security and intelligence matters.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 14 September 2021

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its Annual Report of Committee Activities 2020-2021 and made five recommendations to improve the framework within which it performs its oversight functions of national security and intelligence matters. During the 2020-2021 year the Committee undertook 26 inquiries and tabled 13 reports. Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said: “The national security challenges facing Australia are unprecedented. The Committee has the greatest workload it has ever faced as the challenges of foreign interference, espionage, terrorism and cyber security remain.” Senator Paterson said: “Members of the PJCIS take seriously their important responsibilities ensuring accountability and providing oversight of our security and intelligence agencies, as well as making sure the dedicated men and women of the national intelligence community are well-equipped to respond to the challenges Australia faces.” The Committee has recommended reviewing the Intelligence Services Act 2001 which binds the Committee at the commencement of the next parliament to ensure it remains fit for purpose and allows the committee to complete its work in a timely and efficient manner. Further information on the functions and role of the Committee as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Senator James Paterson via Deborah Seccombe on 0451 255 891 or deborah.seccombe@aph.gov.au For background information:  Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.