Controversial Cybercrime Bill goes to House-Senate review committee

The Senate on Wednesday shelved debate on the contentious Cybercrime Bill, sending the controversial legislation to a select committee of both houses of Parliament.

The joint select committee, according to a resolution introduced by Leader of Government Business Senator Lisa Cummins, will be required to report on its findings in three months.

The resolution was passed without further comment.

Senator Cummins prefaced the resolution by pointing out that the government has listened to recommendations and continued to consult and engage on matters of public interest.

She said she welcomed the opportunity for a “fuller discussion” on the Bill which has been at the centre of a robust public debate in recent weeks.

The resolution read: “Whereas the Cybercrime Bill, 2024 and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2024 have been read a first time in the Senate; and whereas it is in the public interest that a fuller discourse on the Bill be undertaken, be it resolved that subject to the concurrence of the Honourable The House of Assembly that the Cybercrime Bill, 2024 and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2024 be referred to the Joint Select Standing Committee on Governance and Policy Matters; and be it further resolved that the committee be empowered to consider the merits and principles of the Bill and report three months from reference.”

Public debate on the Bill has been mostly centred around criticism that it is targeting constitutional protections of speech, conscience and association. The Mottley administration has denied that it is seeking to limit freedom of expression, arguing that the Bill is intended to repeal and replace the 20-year-old Computer Misuse Act, given technological developments. (SP)