Assistance and Access Bill 2018 consultations close on 10 September 2018
The Department of Home Affairs has released its Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 (the Bill). The Bill provides national security and law enforcement agencies with powers to respond to the challenges posed by the increasing use of encrypted communications and devices. The proposed changes are designed to help agencies access intelligible communications through a range of measures, including improved computer access warrants and enhanced obligations for industry to assist agencies in prescribed circumstances. This includes accessing communications at points where it is not encrypted. The safeguards and limitations in the Bill will ensure that communications providers cannot be compelled to build systemic weaknesses or vulnerabilities into their products that undermine the security of communications. Providers cannot be required to hand over telecommunications content and data.
Note that submissions must be made by 10 September 2018.
If you would like to contribute to the AIIA submission, please contact Kishwar.
The DTA’s consultations on Fairness to Digital Sourcing close on 4 September 2018
The DTA is seeking feedback on its five draft recommendations to agencies to ensure fairness in digital sourcing. The five draft recommendations are:
- Explore ways to improve the imbalance between sellers who already have access and new players in being able to showcase what they have to offer.
- Provide guidance on better government requirements and documentation methods. This includes identifying more ways for the government to develop outcomes-focused requirements.
- Refresh and improve training for sourcing staff. This would include a clear focus on how to provide better feedback to sellers during evaluation and assessment processes, including escalation processes.
- Make panel on-boarding and management processes and tools easier. This would reduce barriers that make it hard for sellers to participate.
- Improve transparency in opportunities available across government and make it easier for sellers to navigate them.
If you would like to contribute to the AIIA submission, please contact Kishwar.