Australian law enforcement agencies will soon be able to snoop on encrypted messages after the federal government and Labor came to an "in-principle" agreement on the government’s proposed encryption laws.

The controversial bill will introduce world-first laws, allowing police to force tech companies to crack encrypted messages.

Negotiations between the parties had broken down this week - but the government is now hopeful of passing the legislation before Parliament rises on Thursday.

AAP

The government said it was imperative to pass the legislation before the festive season and a heightened risk of potential terrorist attacks.

The proposed decryption powers will still extend to crimes beyond terrorism and child pornography, the Attorney-General told reporters on Tuesday evening.

“Serious offences that occur right across the state and Commonwealth statute books; including serious drug, gun, homicide and child sex offence,” Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter said on Tuesday afternoon.

“The foremost goal of the Australian government is to protect people from terrorists, from paedophiles, from murderers - this legislation does that."

Labor had also dropped its opposition to state police being included in the legislation, Mr Porter said.

AAP

The government said efforts by Labor to introduce “cumbersome” oversight had also been overcome.

The Opposition has also hailed the lifting of the deadlock.

“The government have made important concessions on its earlier position,” Shadow Attorny-General Mark Dreyfus said.

‘It appears the government will agree to proposals by Labor that will ensure there is better oversight and limitation of the powers in this bill, and better safeguards against potential unintended consequences.

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