Attorney-General George Brandis will meet with global tech-giant Apple this week in an attempt gain an agreement to allow police and intelligence agencies access to encrypted information from suspected terrorists and criminals.
Technology companies, like Facebook, have flagged concerns they will be forced by security agencies to comply.
Senator Brandis says the government will be seeking voluntary cooperation as a first preference.
"But we will also be legislating so that we do have that coercive power if need be if we don't get the cooperation we seek," he told Sky News On Sunday.
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"We will be pursuing both of these avenues."
