As tensions between Beijing and Canberra rise, there are calls for Australia to appoint a foreign interference commissioner who would track and assess the extent of the problem across the country.
, had been largely unsuccessful.
He cited actions taken by the Federal Government in recent years that had been strongly opposed by Beijing, such as the decision toHowever Dr van der Kley said some Australians of Chinese heritage had reported being targeted by the Chinese Communist Party over their political views, with threats being made against their financial assets and relatives in China.
He said it was not known how widespread this type of interference was because it was rarely reported to Australian authorities. "The most stated reason for this was a belief that the Australian Government could not protect the victim's family in [China]," Dr van der Kley said.Dr van der Kley said he spoke to more than 30 people who said they had experienced intimidation at the hands of Chinese officials, and only three had reported it to police.
Dr van der Kley also called for the creation of an encrypted portal for victims to report cases of foreign interference. He said the current national security hotline was unencrypted, which may deter some victims from using it.
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