Arthur Sinodinos with some reflections and advice
The Conversation, CC BY32,9 MB(download)
As Arthur Sinodinos prepares to leave the Senate for his new role as Australian ambassador to the US, he sits with Michelle Grattan to reflect on his time in politics.
Liu won the marginal seat of Chisholm at the May election, making history as the first female Chinese-Australian MP.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Following a politically disastrous interview, Liberal MP Gladys Liu has issued a statement strongly proclaiming her loyalty to Australia and her support for the government’s policy on China.
Liu denies having ties to the Chinese Communist Party, but she is closely connected with a number of United Front organisations in Australia.
Lukas Coch/AAP
With serious questions being raised about Liu’s possible links to United Front organisations in Australia, a dark cloud could continue to hang over both her and the Liberal Party.
Expertise on the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party is spread dangerously thin across Australia.
Dave Hung/AAP
Scott Morrison, desperate to smother what is on most criteria a damaging story coming almost on the eve of the election being called, insists there is nothing to see in Dutton’s conduct.
The ADF’s powers to search, seize and control movement at the scene of an incident will be simplified, expanded and made clearer.
Australian Department of Defence
The bill makes it easier for states and territories to seek help from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to respond to terrorist and other violent occurrences.
Attorney-General Christian Porter on a crowded agenda
Christian Porter says the response to the consultations for a national apology to victims of child sexual abuse has been very strong with a total of 167 attendees at consultation sessions so far.
Malcolm Turnbull’s speech to the Australia China Business Council’s networking day was superficial.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The government wants to rush through its espionage and foreign interference bills, but more time is needed to make sure these make the country safer without jeopardising freedom.
Porter wants the foreign agent register bill and the foreign interference bill passed before the Super Saturday of byelections in late July.
Paul Miller/AAP
Where possible, Opposition leader Bill Shorten tries to stick like glue to the government on national security issues, for reasons of politics as well as substance.
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Clive Hamilton and Richard Rigby on Chinese influence in Australia
The Conversation, CC BY46,3 MB(download)
The Australia-China relationship is again in the headlines, with reports of strains between the two countries, resulting in federal ministers who want to visit finding it hard to get visas.
Ambassador of the Russian Federation Grigory Logvinov speaks during a press conference at the Russian Embassy in Canberra.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Politics podcast: John Blaxland on Australia’s expulsion of Russian spies
The expulsion of two Russian spies from Australia will have a significant effect on Russia's espionage here.
Under the proposed changes to the Criminal Code, anybody could face up to 20 years in jail for communicating unauthorised information.
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Politics Podcast: Mark Dreyfus on refining foreign interference legislation
CC BY36,5 MB(download)
Mark Dreyfus says Labor acknowledges the need to do more about espionage activity and foreign influence in Australia but argues changes need to be made to the 'hastily' and broadly drafted bill.
Would the ABC’s publication of confidential cabinet documents would be in breach of a proposed government bill?
AAP/Joel Carrett
It’s increasingly difficult for investigative journalists to hold governments to account – partly due to anti-terror and security laws making it harder for whistleblowers to act.
Liberal and Labor camps expect incumbent John Alexander will hold on against the ALP’s Kristina Keneally.
Dominica Sanda/AAP
