TICS Bill Passes Third Reading

After a fraught and controversial process the Telecommunications (Interception Capability and Security) Bill has passed into law.

Communication Minister Amy Adams said the interception of communications played a vital role in preventing and prosecuting serious crimes.

Adams cited the support of the Police Association for the need for such tools not only to combat crime, but also find missing people.

Legislation had to take account of new technology and agencies ability to intercept, there was no change to requirements being placed on agencies or on privacy requirements, Adams said.

The bill was also necessary for national security, she said.

Labour MP Care Curran said the bill was a shoddy piece of work which eroded privacy and would be repealed by an incoming Labour Government following a review and new legislation to ensure privacy was protected.

Twin pillars were required of both privacy and security, it was not one or the other, Curran said.

The argument of the minister definitions and responsibilities of agencies had not changed, missed the point that technology had changed, so they now had different implications.

The bill passed its third reading by 61 to 59 with National, United Future and ACT in favour.

Earlier the Human Rights Amendment Bill completed its first reading by 105 to 15 and was sent to the Justice and Electoral Committee.

MPs began the second reading of the New Zealand International Convention Centre Bill.

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