Overview
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2026 (Act No. 81, 2026) came into force on 26 August 2026. It amends the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 and the Intelligence Services Act 2001. The Act is administered by the Department of Home Affairs.
What the Act changes
The Act covers six areas of change:
- Sunsetting provisions - the Act addresses sunsetting provisions within the existing legislative framework.
- Adult questioning warrants - the Act extends adult questioning warrants to additional heads of security.
- Disqualifying matters for prescribed authority appointments - the Act expands the matters that disqualify a person from appointment as a prescribed authority.
- Termination of prescribed authority appointments - the Act sets out rules around terminating those appointments.
- Reporting to the Attorney-General - the Act introduces or adjusts reporting requirements to the Attorney-General.
- Post-charge questioning arrangements - the Act addresses prescribed authority arrangements for post-charge questioning.
Key actions
- Read the full Act text at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00081 to check if the expanded disqualifying matters or termination provisions apply to staff or contractors involved in ASIO warrant or prescribed authority processes.
- Use the 'Order print copy' option on the legislation page at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00081 to obtain a print copy of the Act.
- Set up a legislation alert on the Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00081 to receive notifications of any further amendments to this Act.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.