Australia Launches ‘Countering Foreign Interference’ Initiative to Safeguard Sovereignty and Democracy
Overview
Foreign interference poses a persistent and evolving threat to Australia’s sovereignty, democracy, and national interests. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing these risks, the Australian Government has launched the “Countering Foreign Interference in Australia: Working Together Towards a More Secure Australia” initiative.
This comprehensive strategy outlines measures to identify, mitigate, and prevent foreign interference while empowering individuals and organizations to protect themselves.
Defining Foreign Interference
Foreign interference encompasses activities conducted on behalf of foreign powers that pose threats to individuals, infrastructure, or institutions. Unlike foreign influence, which operates transparently, foreign interference relies on clandestine, deceptive, and harmful methods to undermine Australia’s interests, the Australian Department of Home Affairs said.
Key Targets of Foreign Interference
- Individuals: Members of diaspora communities are often coerced, intimidated, or manipulated to serve foreign interests.
- Infrastructure and Institutions: Critical infrastructure, democratic processes, and national security systems are frequently targeted for control or disruption.
- Information: Foreign actors steal, manipulate, or fabricate data to influence public opinion or gain strategic advantages.
The Scale of the Threat
The Director-General of Security Mike Burgess had earlier warned that espionage and foreign interference represent Australia’s principal security concerns. “If we had a threat level for espionage and foreign interference it would be at CERTAIN – the highest level on the scale. The threat is now. And the threat is deeper and broader than you might think.”
The Director-General’s comments indicated that more Australians are being targeted than ever before. Failure to counteract these activities risks long-term consequences, including undermining democratic values, economic prosperity, and social cohesion.
Key Sectors at Risk
- Communities: Members of diaspora communities are particularly vulnerable to threats such as surveillance, harassment, and coercion. Foreign actors often exploit these individuals to advance their agendas.
Example: Protesters advocating against foreign regimes may face harassment or threats to their families abroad.
- Democratic Institutions: Electoral processes and political systems are primary targets. Foreign actors may attempt to sway election outcomes, corrupt officials, or spread disinformation to erode public confidence.
Example: Covertly influencing campaign donations to push policies favorable to foreign interests.
- Higher Education and Research: Universities and research institutions face risks such as intellectual property theft, academic coercion, and undue influence over curricula.
Example: Recruitment of academics by foreign entities to redirect research toward military or commercial objectives.
- Industry: Joint ventures, supply chain manipulation, and intellectual property theft threaten Australia’s economic resilience and defense capabilities.
Example: Hidden affiliations in joint ventures exposing Australian companies to espionage.
- Media and Communications: Foreign actors undermine independent media through disinformation, censorship, and recruitment of journalists, eroding trust and spreading propaganda.
Example: Influencing editorial decisions to align with foreign narratives, reducing transparency in public discourse.
Government Initiatives to Counter Foreign Interference
The Australian Government has adopted a multi-faceted approach to mitigate risks and strengthen resilience:
Legislative Framework
- Criminal Code Act 1995: Criminalizes foreign interference with penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme: Mandates registration of activities conducted on behalf of foreign principals.
- Foreign Investment Framework: Reviews foreign investments to ensure they align with national interests.
- Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018: Establishes legal obligations for safeguarding critical assets.
Additional Measures
- Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (CFI Taskforce): Led by ASIO and AFP, this taskforce identifies, assesses, and disrupts acts of foreign interference.
- Counter Foreign Interference Coordination Centre (CFICC): Coordinates whole-of-government efforts and provides leadership on policy and outreach.
- University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT): Protects academic institutions from coercion and intellectual property theft.
- Technology Foreign Interference Taskforce (TechFIT): Collaborates with the technology sector to address interference in critical technologies.
- Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT): Ensures the integrity of federal electoral events against foreign threats.
What Individuals and Organizations Can Do
The Australian Government stressed on the shared responsibility in countering foreign interference. Individuals and organizations must take proactive steps to safeguard their interests:
For Individuals
- Report suspicious activities to the National Security Hotline (1800 123 400).
- Practice cyber hygiene, such as using strong passwords and verifying online information sources.
- Be vigilant about coercion or recruitment attempts, especially online or in professional settings.
For Organizations
- Strengthen cybersecurity measures and report incidents to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
- Conduct due diligence in partnerships, including verifying affiliations and reviewing intellectual property agreements.
- Monitor insider threats and implement workforce screening and ethics frameworks.
Practical Tools
- NITRO Portal: A secure reporting mechanism for businesses and research institutions to flag concerns about foreign interference.
Strengthening Partnerships
Australia’s coordinated response involves collaboration across government, industry, and international allies. By fostering partnerships and sharing intelligence, Australia aims to:
- Raise the costs of foreign interference for adversaries.
- Enhance the resilience of critical sectors.
- Build public awareness about the threats and protective measures.
Conclusion
Foreign interference poses a significant challenge to Australia’s democratic integrity, national security, and social fabric. The launch of “Countering Foreign Interference in Australia” demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing these threats through robust legislation, strategic initiatives, and public engagement.
By working together, individuals, organizations, and the government can mitigate risks, ensure resilience, and safeguard Australia’s future. Reporting suspicious activities, adopting best practices, and fostering a culture of vigilance are critical components of this collective effort to counter foreign interference effectively.
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