ASIO Seeks Permanent Expansion of Questioning Powers Despite Admitting No Specific Intelligence Gap

Australian intelligence agency ASIO is seeking permanent extension of broadened questioning powers through the ASIO Amendment Bill, despite senior official Mike Noyes acknowledging the expansion is not driven by a particular investigation or intelligence gap. The bill would permanently authorize adult questioning warrants for alleged national security threats, including vaguely defined provisions targeting promotion of communal violence. Civil liberties advocates argue these constitute unchecked permanent powers without demonstrated need.