Australia's overseas spies will have more latitude to use weapons and violence during their operations under changes proposed by the Morrison government, which says intelligence officers need greater capacity to protect themselves and others in dangerous situations.

The staff of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, which conducts clandestine operations on foreign soil, have since 2004 been allowed to use firearms as a last resort to protect themselves, colleagues and people co-operating with their activities.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Under amendments to the Intelligence Services Act, it is understood officers of the nation's most secretive intelligence agency will be empowered to use weapons to protect a broader range of people during an operation. The people who can be protected will be specifically approved by the foreign minister and could include hostages and others in the field.

Officers will also be able to deploy "reasonable force" to deal with an individual who poses a significant threat to an operation. The approved use of force could include the use of a firearm or physical contact to "restrain, detain or move" a person who is uncooperative or in danger.