Federal independent Nick Xenophon wants changes to Australian telecommunications interception laws following calls for a narrowing of National Security Agency (NSA) powers.
A review board, set up by President Barack Obama in the wake of Edward Snowden's leaking of NSA secrets, has recommended a wide-ranging overhaul of its practices while preserving "robust" intelligence capabilities.
The panel issued 46 recommendations, including an end to retention of telephone "metadata" by the spy agency.
Senator Xenophon said the report was a "wake up call" and he would introduce legislation to curtail telecommunications interception powers in Australia.
The South Australian, who has previously called for a review of Australia's data surveillance practices, said if it was good enough for the US "then it's time we did the same thing".
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"In the US legislation, there are safeguards for non-US citizens to avail themselves of the same procedures and judicial review as US citizens," he told AAP on Thursday.
"If the legislation doesn't pass it will be indeed ironic that Australian citizens will have more protection under US law than under their own laws."
Australia's domestic spy agencies have been under scrutiny after Snowdon leaks revealed the Defence Signals Directorate had tapped the phones of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife.
"All I'm asking for the prime minister and opposition to do is to support what our closest ally is doing," Senator Xenophon said.
Attorney-General George Brandis said he would not comment on the recommendations on the NSA's powers.
"We work with the intelligence agencies of our closest partners given the common threats we face, including terrorism," Senator Brandis said in a statement.
"We are committed to maintaining these relationships and protecting Australia's security interests and the safety of Australians at home and abroad.
"The Australian Government is committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between national security and privacy considerations."
