Supplementary Order Paper No 305

25A Independent inquiry into purposes and functions of New Zealand intelligence agencies

• (1) Within 1 month of the commencement of this Part, the Minister must determine, with the agreement of the leaders of each political party for the time being recognised for parliamentary purposes under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives,—

  • (a) the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into the purposes and functions of New Zealand's intelligence agencies; and

  • (b) the membership of a committee to oversee the independent inquiry into the purposes and functions of New Zealand's intelligence agencies, the inquiry committee.

  (2) The inquiry committee must consist of no less than 3 and no more than 5 persons.

  (3) The inquiry committee is responsible for the conduct of the independent inquiry into the purposes and functions of New Zealand's intelligence agencies, and must, within 6 months of the commencement of this Part provide a report to the Minister containing—

  • (a) recommendations on the proper purposes and functions of New Zealand's intelligence agencies; and

  • (b) any legislative proposals required to implement those recommendations.

  (4) The Minister must present the report of the inquiry committee to the House of Representatives on the second sitting day following receipt of the report.

  (5) The Minister must take into account the recommendations of the inquiry committee when formulating any legislative proposal to amend or replace the Government Communications Security Bureau Act 2003, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1996, or the Intelligence and Security Committee Act 1996.