Whistleblowers and those who identify ASIO agents could face up to 10 years in jail in new anti-terrorism laws passed in the Senate on Thursday night.

The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 bill is the first in a spate of tough new laws designed to beef up the powers of spy agency ASIO.

If the legislation passes through the House of Representatives as expected, ASIO will be able to monitor an unlimited number of computers with just one warrant.

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Anyone who discloses information that “relates to a special intelligence operation” could face up to a decade in jail.

“The very disclosure of the existence of such covert operations creates a risk. They may be compromised, and the safety of the participants and their families might be placed in jeopardy,” Attorney General George Brandis told the Senate.

Senator Brandis told the senate the new laws were not an attempt to gag media or persecute journalists.

“These provisions have nothing to do with the press,” he said.

“What these provisions have to do with are officers of ASIO who communicate intelligence information, which would be a grave breach of trust on their part.”

Senator Brandis said the laws were neccessary in what he called a “newly dangerous age”.

“What we have achieved tonight is to ensure that those who protect us, particularly in a newly dangerous age, have the strong powers and capabilities they need.”