In an era of ever-increasing counter-terrorism powers, what is Andrew Nikolic’s appointment to a powerful parliamentary committee likely to mean for its scrutiny of national security legislation?
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull presents the defence white paper at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The defence white paper will pledge an additional $29.9 billion in defence spending over the coming decade and support for businesses to innovate in areas such as cyber security and aeronautics.
Australia cannot solve the global refugee crisis by looking at refugees as part of the overall terror threat.
Reuters/Giorgos Moutafis
A ‘draft’ cabinet document suggests the idea that refugees are a potential source of terrorism and radicalisation will soon shape Australia’s humanitarian resettlement policy.
Federal computer systems are under near-constant attack from hackers and cyberthieves. Is our information protected well enough?
Colin
Nir Kshetri, University of North Carolina – Greensboro
Federal networks need stronger cybersecurity measures than most organizations, but have not yet gotten the budget or staffing commitments that would protect them properly.
George Brandis says the government will adopt the proposed changes to anti-terror laws that criminalise disclosure.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Until a public interest exemption is included in Section 35P, the offence will continue to impact press freedom and have a chilling effect on media organisations’ ability to report on ASIO’s activities.
Islamic State propaganda lures both friends and foes into disproportionately focusing on the group’s strengths and overlooking its weakness.
Reuters
Islamic State uses propaganda to coax its enemies into misguided politico-military and strategic communications efforts.
Malcolm Turnbull gave a speech to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington that focused on global security and trade.
Brad Hunter/PMO
2015 started as it finished, with terrorist atrocities, intractable conflicts and political upheavals that toppled several leaders, including Australia’s prime minister, Tony Abbott.
State leaders endorsed a plan at COAG last week that would see some terrorists jailed indefinitely.
AAP/David Moir
Detaining persons convicted of terrorist offences for lengthy periods after they have served their time could risk radicalising a section of the community who see the measure as unjust.
Most Australians are unlikely to be able to describe the doctrine of the separation of powers, but they’re quick to assert their liberties under the rubric of a ‘fair go’.
AAP/Richard Milnes
The government’s uncontested assessment of national interest and security often trumps the rule of domestic and international law, as well as Australia’s obligations under human rights treaties.
COAG leaders have pushed out any decision on tax until their next meeting in March 2016.
David Moir/AAP
If we are content to sanction, disapprove and respond to sole nationals committing terror-related offences without revoking their citizenship, why is revocation necessary for dual nationals?
Fear dominates political conversations and slowly strengthens the acceptability of secrecy in 21st-century governments.
Ben Eenhoorn
The divide within government ranks over handling the terrorism issue has been highlighted by the tough words at the weekend from Resources Minister Josh Frydenberg.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan, ASIO head Duncan Lewis and Attorney-General George Brandis announce a new national terrorism threat advisory system.
Lukas Coch/AAP
The new five-level National Terrorism Threat Advisory System has come into operation. It places the current threat of an attack in Australia as “probable”.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that a new terrorism threat advisory system, which had been recommended by ASIO and been subject of extensive consultation, was now coming into operation.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Malcolm Turnbull has asked Australian law enforcement agencies to test their responses to a mass casualty attack in the wake of the killings in Paris and elsewhere.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan claims that control orders have proved effective in preventing terrorist attacks in Australia.
AAP/Dan Himbrechts
Federal cabinet’s national security committee meets on Monday, as Malcolm Turnbull continues to resist pressure from the Liberal right to make Peter Dutton a permanent member of it.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker and Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan cast an eye over the fledgling political relationship between Malcolm Turnbull and his US counterpart.