A suspected spy who allegedly sought to put a Chinese agent in federal parliament was able to leave Australia after being questioned at the airport
, exposing a gap in national security laws.
Security agencies say the lack of coercive questioning powers is hampering the agencies' ability to safeguard national security. Federal Coalition MPs on parliament’s security committee have been briefed on the matter. Former ASIO chief Duncan Lewis warned recently that foreign interference and espionage were at an all-time high and undermining Australia’s sovereignty.
Any move to strengthen ASIO’s powers might be resisted by legal and civil liberty groups, who view compulsory questioning powers as undermining a person’s right to silence. “[Coercive powers] should be available to counter those trying to sabotage our democracy,” a security source said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Govt to push for 2050 climate tech target | Sky News AustraliaThe Australian government will look at implementing a technology investment target to avoid committing to an internationally imposed net-zero emissions target by 2050. \n\nThe government said the new target would be the most effective way for the nation to meet the Paris commitment. \n\nNationals MPs are against Australia's commitment to the target over fears it would impact manufacturing jobs. \n\nThe new plan will be presented at the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland. \n\nAbout 81 countries have so far adopted the internationally imposed 2050 zero emissions target. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
China's ‘encroachment’ into the South-Pacific ‘could cost Australia in the future' | Sky News AustraliaSky News host Peter Gleeson says the Chinese government is “playing a long game” by investing in roads, airports, ports and agriculture within South-Pacific countries. \n\nMr Gleeson said he was “struck by the growing influence of the Chinese” following a recent trip he took to the small, South-Pacific country of Fiji. \n\nHe said Fiji is just one of many countries in the geographical area who have enjoyed Chinese investment “booms” in the last two-decades. \n\n“The Chinese are playing a long game, they are investing in roads, airports, ports and agriculture, it is transparent and growing.\n\n“The Chinese have made it increasingly clear that it wants economic and political influence in the Asia and South Pacific”. \n\nMr Gleeson said the Morrison government should “pump extra foreign aid” to nearby countries “so they know we are their closest allies”.\n\n'There’s a great deal at stake on all this, especially for future generations”. \n\nImage: Getty \n
Read more »
Four dead in mid-air plane crash near Victorian airportTwo planes carrying two people each have collided and crashed near Mangalore airport north of Melbourne
Read more »
Australian paedophiles set to be in sights of nation's foreign spy agencyAustralia's premier foreign cyber intelligence agency would be enlisted to help track down online paedophiles, terrorists and other serious criminals under a proposal being developed by the Federal Government.
Read more »
Queensland man charged over hit-and-run involving five cyclistsPolice have charged a man following an alleged hit-and-run which left five cyclists injured. 9News
Read more »
Animal activists avoid prison for trespass, theft of calf and dead pigletThe court heard of a 'premediated' and 'brazen' plan hatched by animal rights activists to break into a farm and steal or 'liberate' a baby calf.
Read more »