The Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP wrote to the Committee on 7 February 2023 to refer the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022 for inquiry and report.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022 proposes amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to improve the ability of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to provide effective oversight of intelligence and security agencies.

The bill would improve reporting and information sharing processes, allow the IGIS to consider employment related grievances for staff employed by the Office of National Intelligence and introduce provisions preventing the head or deputy head of an agency overseen by the IGIS from being appointed to the position immediately after serving in that capacity.

The bill includes a number of technical amendments to improve clarity, modernise drafting expressions and remove redundant provisions, as well as to address certain limitations in the Inspector-General's oversight functions and powers.

Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday, 17 February 2023. The Attorney-General has requested that the Committee report by 17 March 2023.

Further information about making a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry is available here.