Public hearing on telecoms sector security

Federal Parliamentary Joint Intelligence and Security Committee (PJCIS) will hold an additional public hearing on Thursday, 24 March, for its review of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016.

The hearing will be streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

The Bill introduces laws to manage national security risks of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference to Australia’s telecommunications networks and facilities.

The Bill aims to formalise and strengthen industry-government engagement, and to encourage early engagement with agencies on managing national security risks.

“Telecommunications infrastructure is essential for Australia’s national and economic security,” said PJCIS Chair Andrew Hastie MP. “At the heart of this review is a balancing of national security and commercial interests,” he added.

The PJCIS will use a second hearing with the Attorney-General’s Department to further examine matters raised in submissions received from industry.

Information about the inquiry, including submissions, can be found at aph.gov.au/pjcis.

The Bill and Explanatory Memorandum are available at aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation.

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