PJCIS supports Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reforms

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented to the Parliament an advisory report for its Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) reform package 2026.

The reform package consists of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026 and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026. The bills would establish the ACIC under a new Act, clarifying its role and enhancing its ability to obtain, analyse, evaluate and communicate intelligence relevant to serious and organised crime.

The PJCIS supports the passage of both bills, subject to 25 recommendations aimed at strengthening safeguards and ensuring a smooth transition to the new legal framework.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “Serious and organised crime causes extensive harm to the Australian community. The ACIC is a key agency tasked with enhancing Australia’s response to this threat by collecting and communicating intelligence relating to serious and organised criminal activities.

“The committee supports these reforms, which will help clarify the ACIC’s mission and ensure its legal framework is appropriately adapted to its task. The committee has recommended amendments to improve clarity, accountability, oversight mechanisms and other safeguards, particularly in relation to the ACIC’s coercive powers.

“These recommendations will help ensure the public can have confidence that the reform package provides the right legislative settings for the ACIC’s long-term future and that the ACIC’s extraordinary powers are used only as intended to help keep Australians safe from serious and organised crime.”

The full report and further information about the inquiry are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

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