EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued by the authority of the Attorney-General
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) (Communications Access Co-ordinator) Specification 2009
The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (the Act) establishes the position of a Communications Access Co-ordinator as the primary point of liaison for interception agencies, telecommunications carriers and carriage service providers in relation to telecommunications interception issues.
Section 6R provides that the Communications Access Co-ordinator is the Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department or another person as specified in writing by the Attorney-General.
On 28 September 2007, the Attorney‑General made the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) (Communications Access Co-ordinator) Specification 2007 to specify the person holding or acting in the position of First Assistant Secretary, Security and Critical Infrastructure Division as the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
The Security and Critical Infrastructure Division of the Attorney-General’s Department no longer exists. Accordingly, the Attorney‑General has made the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) (Communications Access Co‑ordinator) Specification 2009 (the new Specification) to specify the person holding or acting in the position of First Assistant Secretary, National Security Law and Policy Division as the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
The new Specification maintains the Co‑ordinator at a Senior Executive Service Band 2 employee. Having the Co‑ordinator performed by an officer at this level has proven to work efficiently with stakeholders, including interception agencies, members of the telecommunications industry and other government agencies.
As the new Specification maintains the same Senior Executive Service level for the position specified in the Instrument, no specific consultation has occurred.
The new Specification is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. The new Specification commences on registration.