Some changes in the new security bill submitted to parliament last week are welcome, but others require careful scrutiny, especially when the rights of children are at stake.
My assessment is that there are about 150 to 300 core right-wing activists in New Zealand. This might sound modest – but proportionate to population, it’s similar to extremist numbers in Germany.
Michelle Grattan about the week in politics, including the implementation of an emergency plan to tackle the spread of coronavirus, climate change policy, national security and Bettina Arndt
Members of the public mourn at a makeshift memorial following the Christchurch mosque attacks in March 2019.
AAP/David Alexander
In the wake of last year’s Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand’s intelligence agencies must become more transparent in their reporting on the risk of right-wing terrorism.
Mike Burgess, the head of ASIO, warns there are more foreign agents operating in Australia than at the height of the cold war - and many of them have the capability, intent, and persistence to cause significant harm.
The member for Canning has made a name for himself as a hawk on foreign influence in Australian politics.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Hastie on foreign influence, security and veteran mental health
In this podcast, Andrew Hastie speaks with Michelle Grattan about growing concerns over Chinese influence in Australian politics, security clearances for politicians and the mental health of veterans.
The alleged attempted penetration of federal parliament is significant, given (if true) its deep implication for Australia’s democratic system.
Lukas Coch/AAP
In an address to the Lowy Institute, outgoing ASIO head Duncan Lewis warned that “the scale and scope of foreign intelligence activity against Australian interests is unprecedented”.
Australian Signals Directorate boss Mike Burgess is named the new head of ASIO.
Darren England/AAP
Mike Burgess, previously head of the Australian Signals Directorate, has a solid history in the intelligence area and Labor has welcomed the choice.
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton speaking to the media in Brisbane last month about a recent interception of an asylum seeker boat.
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Australians should be concerned about any shift to an intelligence model that is based on the introduction of greater powers on the one hand, and less oversight and governance on the other.
Keating’s comments gave the government an opening to shift the debate onto security.
Lukas Coch/AAP
On primary votes, the ALP dropped a point to 36%, while the Coalition was static on 38%, from the last Newspoll a week ago.
If Bill Shorten becomes prime minister, he should not be afraid to take a close look at the effectiveness of the home affairs “super” portfolio.
AAP/Dave Hunt
With polling showing Labor is vulnerable on security issues, the opposition leader has the difficult task of distinguishing his party from the government while not being wedged from the right.
The Sept. 11 attacks and subsequent “war on terror” had a transformative impact on the handling of secrecy and surveillance activities in government programs.
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The recent creation of the Home Affairs super portfolio has added another four agencies to the national intelligence community. Here’s how they work together.
We need to redesign our records so that they are more accessible.
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The public release of secret intelligence can have a powerful impact on the political environment, as the revelations regarding Sam Dastyari demonstrate.
Australian government agencies are employing the services of spyware company Cellebrite.
REUTERS/Issei Kato
The move to consolidate security agencies under one minister upends generations of conventions on how security intelligence and executive police powers are managed separately.
Peter Dutton comes to the job with, at best, a middling ministerial record.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Turnbull is understandably sensitive to suggestions that the planned home affairs ministry is all about Dutton, whose continued support is so vital to him.
The reorganisation is a major win for Peter Dutton, a key conservative supporter of Malcolm Turnbull.
Mick Tsikas/AAP