IGIS expansion under 'active consideration' to include Home Affairs intelligence division

The acting Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) Jake Blight oversees six of Australia's 10 national intelligence community agencies to ensure they are compliant with the rules and regulations.

Attorney-General department secretary Chris Moraitis told an estimates committee on Thursday evening IGIS's expansion to include the four intelligence agencies under the Home Affairs portfolio was under "active consideration".

"I would be optimistic that we come to some clear landing point in the near future, however, it's an ongoing conversation," Mr Moraitis said.

"There's a series of conversations happening across government about those recommendations."

The four agencies under the Home Affairs Intelligence Division include the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The 2017 independent intelligence review, released by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, recommended IGIS's jurisdiction be expanded to include the additional four agencies not yet under its purview.

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Mr Blight told the estimates committee that while its role had yet to be expanded in the three years since, it was prepared to take on the extra work.

"The government provided funds to our office in order for us to prepare for expansion," Mr Blight said, who's been with IGIS since 2012.

"The 2017 review also recognised that we needed additional resources to do our current job. We've received that funding, as well as funding to prepare for additional jurisdiction."

Labor senator Kim Carr asked Mr Blight if he accepted that despite the growth of the national intelligence community, IGIS hadn't expanded with it. Mr Blight agreed the legislation hadn't changed substantially but said the additional funding had assisted in helping the watchdog to perform its functions.

Mr Blight has been in the acting role since former Inspector-General Margaret Stone stepped down from her duties in August.

While a new Inspector-General has not yet been appointed by the Attorney-General, an agency spokesperson said Mr Blight has continued to perform the regular duties required.

"Since the end of Ms Stone's period as the Inspector-General, the Acting Inspector-General and the Office have continued the regular program of oversight, inspections and complaint handling function," an IGIS spokesperson said.

"The Acting Inspector-General and IGIS staff also continue to meet regularly with ASIO staff."