Amending the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (the ASIO Act), the Intelligence Act 2001 and the Criminal Code Act 1995, the changes will align the definition of 'foreign intelligence' in the ASIO Act with other acts; include a new ground relating to the breach of UN sanctions for ministerial authorisations for the production of intelligence on an Australian person; and exclude the communication of information relating to employment within the Australian Intelligence Community from ASIO security assessment provisions.

"Legislation relating to our security and intelligence agencies remains under constant review so that we can appropriately address the challenges of our modern security environment," said Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

"[The amendments] ensure rigorous oversight and accountability checks remain in place, including through the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security."