A CONTROVERSIAL internet security plan to store the web history of all Australians for up to two years has been stalled by the federal government until after the next election.

Security bureaucrats have drafted legislation to expand internet surveillance and security powers, but Attorney-General Nicola Roxon decided to first refer a discussion paper to a parliamentary committee.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon ... has put web surveillance plans on ice. Credit:Andrew Sheargold

Senior intelligence officials, who have been pushing for the increased powers, complain the legislation will be delayed until after the election due next year.