"The safeguards, which are in place to ensure that ASIO personnel operate within a lawful framework, are dependent on a clear articulation of ASIO's functions. Those safeguards would be undermined by a provision which allowed ASIO personnel to pursue unrelated functions for other agencies."

According to Ludlam, the committee responding to submissions on the proposed amendments was aware of concerns around the potential expansion of ASIO into areas such as tax law and welfare law, but had only made token changes to the bill.

"The Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee heard those concerns loud and clear and in response all they proposed was that some changes be made to the explanatory memorandum, and I think that really gives us cause for concern," he said.

"In fact in its not just clarification we need; this bill needs wholesale repair. You always know something is up when the [Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs] recommends changes to the explanatory memorandum.

"That is always a bit of a red flag to me."