Independent National Security Legislation Monitor


The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor is a statutory independent executive oversight body of the Australian Government responsible for the ongoing review of the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australian counter‑terrorism and national security legislation. The INSLM also considers whether legislation contains appropriate safeguards for protecting the rights of individuals, remains proportionate to any threat of terrorism and or threat to national security, and remains necessary. As such the INSLM is a major part of the oversight regime of the Australian Intelligence Community together with the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

History

The INSLM was established by the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010. The post has many similarities with the role of Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in the United Kingdom.

Role

Since 2011, the INSLM has conducted inquiries on national security legislative issues and issued reports assessing counter-terrorism and national security legislation and making recommendations for reform. Australian security and intelligence agencies provide the INSLM with information, relevant to the above functions. This is under compulsion in some circumstances. The INSLM makes recommendations on these matters in reports, which are then tabled in Parliament.

Office-holders