Mr Jake Blight is the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM). He was appointed on 26 November 2023 for a three-year term and is the first full-time INSLM. 

The role of the INSLM is to independently review the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security legislation. In doing so, the INSLM must consider whether the laws contain appropriate protections for individual rights, remain proportionate to terrorism and other national security threats, remain necessary and comply with Australia’s international obligations. INSLM reports are tabled in Parliament and are available on the INSLM website. 

Having worked in the field of national security law for almost 25 years Jake is an experienced national security lawyer. He has advised extensively on key national security laws including the powers and immunities granted to intelligence and security agencies and the complexities of applying telecommunications interception powers designed in a different era to the internet. Jake was also formerly the Deputy Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security providing oversight of the legality and propriety of the operations of Australia’s intelligence and security agencies. 

Immediately prior to his appointment as INSLM Jake was an Associate Professor at the ANU National Security College.