10 July 2013

Dunne Welcomes Act’s Support over GCSB Bill

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne welcomes calls from ACT for there to be a set of guiding principles for the GCSB.

“This was one of the issues I had already raised in my earlier discussions with the Prime Minister about the changes I would like to see included in the legislation, and I am pleased ACT now has come on board with that.

“I note also that some of the witnesses appearing before the Intelligence and Security Committee last week made similar calls, so I think it would be prudent for the Government to heed these calls for change.

“Incorporating some of the principles of the Bill of Rights Act and the Privacy Act as guiding principles for GCSB would be another positive step forward,” he says.

However, Mr Dunne says that these changes, along with the Prime Minister’s earlier confirmation that he is prepared to look at an advisory group to work alongside the Inspector-General do not yet fully allay his concerns about the Bill as it stands.

“I still want to see more work done in other areas, including the protection of personal communications, and more transparent processes before I can determine whether to support the legislation through its remaining stages.

“Those discussions are continuing,” he says.

ENDS

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