National security to dominate parliament

Members of parliament returning for a fortnight of sittings in Canberra will be focused on national security.

AFP officers outside of parliament house.

National security is set to dominate a fortnight of parliament sittings in Canberra. (AAP)

(adds government plans to move amendments to national security laws in response to committee recommendations)

By Paul Osborne, AAP Senior Political Writer

CANBERRA, Sept 19 AAP - National security is set to dominate a fortnight of parliament sittings in Canberra.

As security is beefed up around Parliament House itself, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will deliver what he's described as a "security statement" on Monday.

Should the Australian military contingent now gathering in the United Arab Emirates be sent into Iraq to tackle Islamic State extremists, Mr Abbott has promised a further statement.

Attorney-General George Brandis will lead a debate starting on Monday on expanding the powers of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

A bipartisan committee has proposed a number of changes to the laws to improve oversight of the new powers.

Senator Brandis says the government supports all 17 recommendations and will move amendments to implement them when the Bill is debated in the Senate.

Senator Brandis is also set to introduce a second tranche of anti-terrorism laws to crack down on Australians who choose to fight with or support terrorist groups overseas.

The Labor and coalition party rooms are expected to discuss the issue, with Left members of the caucus voicing concerns about "mission creep" as Australian defence personnel prepare to join a multi-nation operation in Iraq.

Mr Abbott will only be present for the first two days of parliament next week before heading to New York for talks with US President Barack Obama and other leaders on the situation in Iraq and Syria.

Australia's defence links with the United States and Japan will come under the spotlight at a treaties committee hearing on Monday.

Defence, foreign affairs and attorney-general's department officials will give evidence on the agreement between the US and Australia to rotate up to 2500 marines and US Air Force personnel through northern Australia.

They will also be quizzed on a new deal with Japan to transfer defence technology.

The opposition will be seeking to return the political focus to budget cuts and jobs.

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane may assist with this as he unveils a national industry investment and competitiveness strategy.

Senate committee reports will be tabled covering migration law changes, the future of Australia Post, recognition of foreign marriages, cattle levies and entitlements for workers who lose their jobs due to the liquidation or bankruptcy of their employer.


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