PM digs in for debate on espionage bill

Debate on foreign interference and espionage legislation is due in parliament this week, prompting the coalition to sell it as critical to Australian democracy.

Malcolm Turnbull has warned Australia should never be complacent about protecting its sovereignty and democracy.

The prime ministerial warning came ahead of a debate in parliament about proposed new foreign interference and espionage laws.

"The foreign interference laws are designed to do no more than ensure that Australians are responsible for our political decisions, for our democracy and where foreign interests seek to influence our affairs in Australia they do so openly," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Monday.