Publication

This paper reviews the Australian parliament’s engagement in the country's national security and how it can be improved. More specifically, the authors 1) review the existing processes and mechanisms relating to parliament’s engagement in national security and explore areas for reform, particularly of the parliamentary committee system; and 2) argue that enhancing the role of the Australian parliament in national security will reinforce the accountability of the country’s executive, improve the quality of public debate over national security and serve to strengthen the foundations of Australia’s parliamentary democracy. They also offer seven recommendation on how to further the parliament’s role in national security.