Australia’s surveillance laws: let’s hear from those at the pointy end before the spies

The new independent national security legislation monitor, Jake Blight, says he expects security agencies to cooperate without needing to be compelled. Photograph: Alexandra Orme/INSLM

Jake Blight said he will prioritise hearing from people affected by Australia’s security and surveillance laws rather than the intelligence agencies who wield them when he begins his oversight role on Monday.

“I’ve actually prioritised meetings with civil society and non-government groups in my first week, rather than intelligence agencies,” the incoming independent national security legislation monitor told Guardian Australia on Friday.