The Richardson Review: Reviving the ‘Purpose’ of Law Enforcement and Intelligence Legislation

Abstract

This article examines Australia’s recent review of its federal national security and intelligence agencies. The article argues that Australia’s current legislative structure for its intelligence agencies unacceptably blurs the lines between intelligence and law enforcement in a number of areas. In seeking to make several recommendations for law reform, this article engages with the ‘purpose’ of that legislation, and builds on the Richardson Review to provide for better distinction between the officers of intelligence agencies (‘spies’) and law enforcement (‘cops’).