Foto

Major parties to compromise on encryption

Police and intelligence agencies appear certain to gain access to the encrypted messages of criminals, with the major parties set to strike a deal on the proposed new powers.

"Labor's up for passing this bill, we just need to get the details of it right," deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

"I think it's very important that we focus our efforts this week and if we can get the details of the legislation right, well that's a good thing."

However, Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has told Labor caucus members the negotiations are not yet resolved.

The coalition government says police and security agencies can't properly investigate serious crime and terrorism without easy access to encrypted communications.

But Labor has argued the draft legislation is far too broad and could unintentionally expose Australians to security breaches.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants the "urgent" decryption laws passed before parliament rises on Thursday.

The coalition has been ratcheting up pressure on Labor to support its bill, with cabinet minister Angus Taylor accusing the opposition of "running a protection racket for terrorists" by refusing.

The opposition suggested introducing a toned down interim bill but was rebuffed and has since returned to the negotiating table.