The government's proposed foreign fighters laws would significantly expand the definition of security and extend ASIO's powers overseas, an independent watchdog has warned.
The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security has raised concerns about the bill to crack down on Australians fighting overseas. People travelling to terrorism hotspots could be jailed for five years.
Under the proposed laws, enforcement agencies will get extra powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute people who support foreign conflicts.
Passports can be seized for 14 days, while welfare, family payments and paid parental leave can be cancelled on security grounds.
Inspector General Vivienne Thom said the bill would extend the definition of security under the ASIO Act, particularly when it came to involvement in foreign war zones.
The new laws make it an offence to engage in hostile activity or "subvert society", but do not specify if the offences need to have a political motive.
"These changes would extend ASIO's powers into areas of criminal conduct overseas that would not normally be described as terrorism or national security," she told a parliamentary committee examining the bill.
Dr Thom also raised concerns about the oversight and accountability of the suspension of travel documents.
Responsibility for recommending suspensions rests with ASIO under the bill, and not with a specific person within the organisation.
"In my view it is better practice for decisions to be made by nominated individuals who are then accountable for those decisions," she said.
"It does reduce accountability somewhat."
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