Australian government proposes new email access laws

Updated April 14, 2008 17:34:18

The threat of cyber-crime is rising in Australia, according to the Attorney-General's office. [ABC]

The Australian government is considering new national security laws that would allow employers to read their employees' email without prior consent.

The new laws are intended to give companies extra powers to monitor their computer networks in an effort to prevent cyber-attacks.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard told Channel Nine News that the proposed changes would improve the security of Australia's computer networks.

"We want to make sure that they are safe from terrorist attack," she said.

"Part of doing that is making sure we've got the right powers to ensure that we can tell if there's something unusual going on in the system.

"So it's a national security move, not a move about an unseemly interest in people's private emails.

"We're monitoring risk when risk is heightened," she continued.

"Obviously there will be greater security, but it really is focused on national security for the IT [and] electronic infrastructure - the systems that are vital for making our society run."

The internet rights watchdog Electronic Frontiers Australia has criticised the proposed legislation.

Spokesman Dale Clapperton says it would be unnecessary.

"These types of powers, which are currently only enjoyed by a select few agencies including the Australian Federal Police and organisations such as state crime and conduct commissions, shouldn't be extended to companies which are providing critical infrastructure services," he said.

A spokesman from the Attorney-General's office says the threat of cyber-crime is rising, but says that privacy experts and unions will be consulted before any new legislation is introduced.