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Back in 2005, the Commonwealth Attorney-General described the national security legislative framework as an ‘unfinished canvas’. The ‘unfinished canvas’ metaphor still has currency. Why? Because it’s still not finished. See the latest (courtesy of the Bills’ List of the Senate). Not quite the Ben Quilty style strokes of the 2005 canvas…perhaps a little more in the style of Caroline Rothwell…

Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2007

Passed April 2007. Replaces absolute liability with strict liability in certain provisions; provide for review of decisions made by the AUSTRAC CEO under the AML/CTF Act; replace the general exemption from review under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 for decisions under the AML/CTF Act with a limited exemption; provide ASIS with access to AUSTRAC information and enable ASIS to communicate such information to foreign intelligence agencies; amend secrecy and access provisions; remove certain restrictions on prosecution of structuring conduct; and provide access to the electoral roll in certain circumstances

AusCheck Act 2007

Passed April 2007. Establishes a regulatory framework for the conduct of background criminal and security assessments by the Attorney-General’s Department for applicants for the Aviation Security Identity Card, Maritime Security Identity Card, and any subsequent schemes.

Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Additional Screening Measures) Act 2007

Passed April 2007. Amends the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to enhance screening measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken through an international screening point by people flying to or from Australia.

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment Act 2007

Passed March 2007. Facilitates the integration of the Office of Film and Literature Classification into the Attorney-General’s Department; and Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 in relation to: the functions of the Classification Board and the Classification Review Board; the operation of the National Classification Scheme; repeal expired or redundant provisions; and transfer responsibility for delegated legislation from the Director of the Classification Board to the Attorney-General. There is also a Discussion Paper about Material which advocates certain terrorist acts. See the submissions.

Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Marking of Plastic Explosives) Act 2007

Passed February 2007. Gives effect to Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection by amending the: Criminal Code Act 1995 to insert new offences in relation to trafficking in, manufacturing, possessing, importing and exporting unmarked plastic explosives; Customs Act 1901 to provide Customs officers with appropriate powers to regulate, investigate, search and seize unmarked plastic explosives; and 6 other Acts to make consequential amendments.

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2007

On hold. Will eventually implement the recommendations arising from the review of the regulation of access to communications and make other measures to improve the operational effectiveness of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979. Was introduced into the House of Reps on 14 June 2007 and the 2nd reading adjourned on 14 June 2007. Looks like it won’t surface again until the next sitting of parliament.