Mr Jake Blight is the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. He was appointed by the Governor-General for a three-year term commencing in November 2023. As Monitor Jake is responsible for reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security laws. These reviews also consider whether the laws contain appropriate protections for individual rights, remain necessary and proportionate and whether they are consistent with Australia’s international obligations.

Jake is one of Australia’s most experienced national security lawyers. He brings to the Monitor role a skill set that includes legal advising, oversight and review as well as academic research and teaching.

Having practiced in the field of national security law for almost 25 years, Jake has advised extensively on key national security laws including advising government on the powers and immunities granted to intelligence and security agencies and the complexities of applying telecommunications interception powers designed in a different era to the internet.

As Monitor Jake has completed an in-depth review of the main Commonwealth secrecy laws as well as a review of special powers granted to the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to combat cybercrime. He is currently reviewing Australia’s espionage, foreign interference and sabotage laws and is also reviewing Australia’s definition of a ‘terrorist act’.

More information about INSLM reviews is available on the INSLM website www.inslm.gov.au