Australian regulatory framework for telecommunication: interception and access law

摘要

This article reviews recent regulatory framework relating to the provisions of the Telecommunications (interception and access) Act 1979 (Cth) and the amendments to the Act. The steady expansion of surveillance powers in Australia over the past two decades is critically evaluated. The article analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the existing regulatory system for telecommunications interception and access. The author conclude that Australasian framework for telecommunications interception that accept the idea of 'balancing' privacy to allowing law enforcement agencies to obtain access to such telecommunication for the purpose of national security and public security.