THE government is pursuing a significant expansion of the Australian intelligence agencies' powers, including the creation of ASIO super warrants, extending search warrants to six months and forcing upon private industry a powerful data retention scheme.

But, unlike major changes to intelligence and security laws made after September 11, 2001, the government will open the proposed changes for public feedback before any laws are passed.

Feedback … Attorney-General Nicola Roxon. Credit:Penny Bradfield

The government will today announce it is exploring changes to national security laws to keep up with emerging threats and ''to stay one step ahead of terrorists and organised criminals who threaten our national security".

The Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, will ask the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security to consider reforms through public hearings. Included in reforms the government is pursuing is to ''streamline'' ASIO's warrants, allowing them to be varied by the Attorney-General, making renewing of warrants easier and extending the duration of search warrants from 90 days to six months.