There are frequently legitimate concerns that a leak might compromise an ongoing surveillance campaign. Snowden's media friends frequently withhold info that they know would put people in jeopardy, for example. However, critics like the Australian Lawyers Alliance warn that the bill is far too broad. It's not clear just what "effective conduct" or "intelligence operations" would involve -- agencies like ASIO could cover up abuses of power by claiming that any activity is sensitive and needs to kept from the public eye. If there's any consolation to free speech champions, it's that the measure has to survive a parliamentary debate later this year before it has a chance of becoming law. There's already stiff opposition from politicians, lawyers and advocacy groups, so the bill might be shot down before it jeopardizes civil liberties.

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