Minister of Law Porter. (AP Photo)
On Thursday evening, June 28, with the support of Labour, the (Malcolm Turnbull) government`s anti-foreign influence bill was passed by parliament ahead of the winter holiday, the Australian news agency reported.
Australian intelligence leaders have warned that some countries are trying to obtain confidential information about Australia`s global alliance and military, economic and energy systems. The bill was introduced in response to the situation.
"for those who seek to undermine our way of life, this is a strong signal that Australia is keenly aware of activities aimed at our national security and will continue to take the necessary measures to thwart these activities," said Law Minister Porter (Christian Porter).
The new legislation aims to prevent foreign influence on Australian politicians, the media, ethnic groups and civil society organizations. Under the new rules, charges of espionage, treason and treason have been extended to represent foreign governments that influence Australian democracy would be a crime punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years.
Individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments are required to register, and parliamentarians acting on behalf of foreign governments are registered in an independent system. Earlier, the government accepted a series of changes proposed by the parliamentary committee and reached a bipartisan consensus. However, the Greens oppose the bill, saying it undermines freedom of the press, the right to demonstrate and the work of non-governmental organizations.
"for Australia, this is a sad day," Senator (Nick McKim) of the Green Party told Parliament on June 28. Today, we have taken a big step in a dangerous direction for our country. "
He warned that Australia was moving towards a totalitarian police state. "you can`t protect democracy by suppressing democracy," he said. Chinese Australians and businesses are worried that under the anti-foreign intervention law, they may be targeted by the Australian security intelligence organization (ASIO). (Steven Ciobo), the trade minister, said he was "overworried".
At a forum organized by (Australia China Relations Institute), the Australian-China Relations Institute, led by former Foreign Minister Boca (Bob Carr), Jobo responded to questions from Sam (Sam Wong), leader of the Canberra Chinese community.
King Sam asked, "I`m worried. How do we not get in touch with the Australian security intelligence organization? Can you give me some advice? " The new security bill is designed to protect "Australia`s national sovereignty," Jobo said. He said: "some people are trying to describe it as a bilateral relationship between Australia and China, and I think it is a great bias against Australia." I think your concern is too much. Because all of us are committed to strong bilateral relations. "
Despite new rules requiring public registration with foreign governments from close business people, none of the foreign companies that invested in Australia had raised concerns with him, Mr Chobo told the Australian newspaper.
In addition, at a regular press conference held by the Chinese Ministry of Defense on the 28th, Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian answered reporters` questions on the US Defense Secretary`s visit to China and the cross-military reform of the armed police forces.
Australian media reported that Australian warships were being monitored by Chinese "spy ships" during their visit to Fiji. "Australian media reports are nothing but a whimsical story." "Australian media may have overestimated the strength of their country," Wu said. China has no reason, nor is it necessary to carry out so-called surveillance operations against the Australian ships. The Australian media`s efforts to gain eyeballs by distorting reports actually expose their lack of common sense and self-confidence. "
