Canberra, Australia — 15 February 2019 — BSA | The Software Alliance welcomes ongoing efforts in the Australian Parliament this week to improve the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 (Act).

BSA acknowledges and supports the Australian Government’s desire to have more powerful tools to aid law enforcement in the fight against online criminal and terrorist activity. It is important that there is a balance between the legitimate needs and responsibilities of the Australian Government, and the rights and needs of its citizens, providers of critical infrastructure and third-party stewards of data.

We welcome the ongoing efforts underway in the Australian Parliament to improve the Act, including the passage of amendments this week in the Senate to, among other things, fulfil key recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the timeframe for the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor to review the operation of the Act, and on clarifying provisions relating to “systemic weakness”.

“BSA will continue to represent its members’ concerns to parliamentarians. We look forward to engaging further on the Act and seeking an improved outcome for citizens, law enforcement and the technology community,” said Darryn Lim, Director, Policy – APAC, BSA | The Software Alliance.