Australia’s foreign meddling laws aimed at China could take effect this month
Media reported last week that two bills were the result of a classified report that found the Chinese Communist Party had tried to influence policy, compromise political parties and gain access to all levels of government
Australia’s attorney general on Friday urged parliament to pass anti-foreign interference laws this month ahead of five by-elections scheduled for late July.
Australia blames the legislation that would ban covert foreign interference in politics and expand espionage offences for the current diplomatic strains in its relationship with China.
Australian media reported last week that two bills were the result of a classified government report commissioned by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2016 that found that the Chinese Communist Party had tried to influence Australian policy, compromise political parties and gain access to all levels of government for a decade. The government will not comment on those media reports.
Attorney General Christian Porter cited secret service evidence that the current threat of foreign interference in Australian politics and commerce was constantly evolving and becoming more acute.
He noted that the legislation would for the first time outlaw a foreign government intentionally or recklessly interfering with a democratic or government process, including an election.
