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Changes to spy laws likely

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 1 Mar 2016, 5:48am
The GCSB base at Waihopai (Getty Images)
The GCSB base at Waihopai (Getty Images)

Changes to spy laws likely

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 1 Mar 2016, 5:48am

The SIS could be in for an overhaul, after an independent review of our spy agencies.

A review into the rules and oversight of both the GCSB (Goverment Communications Security Bureau)  and SIS (Security Intelligence Service) is now complete, with findings due before the Intelligence and Security Committee next week

Prime Minister John Key said he's not allowed to talk yet about what's in the report, but is signalling law changes are likely

"There's a general perspective that the SIS legislation is at the moment not fit for purpose," he said.

"I think there are areas where they can see improvement in the way that GCSB and SIS can work together."

Key said would be looking for cross-party support of any reforms.

"My preference is to try and get an outcome from this review that will lead to improving the current legislation, but also get that bipartisan support reinstated."

Labour Leader Andrew Little said his party's open to discussion and negotiation.

"Our starting point is to look at the balance between what is needed for effective security agencies, and what is going to protect citizen's interests in terms of privacy and freedom."

 

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