New treason laws up for debate

AUSTRALIA’S treason and espionage laws will be overhauled to ban “acts of political interference” such as Labor senator Sam Dastyari’s soliciting of a donation from a Chinese businessman.

That controversy plus China’s growing influence in world politics and Russia’s interference in the 2016 US presidential election have led to the Federal Government’s proposal to revamp the laws.

Foreign political donations will also be banned and those trying to influence Australian politics on behalf of other nations will be forced to declare who they are working for.

“Foreign powers are making unprecedented and increasingly sophisticated attempts to influence the political process, both here and abroad,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters yesterday.

The Prime Minister said he was concerned by reports of Chinese foreign influence, but stressed the laws were not focused on one country alone, citing reports of Russian attempts to meddle with the US election.

The legislation will create a transparency scheme based on the US Foreign Agents Registry, which requires people to declare whether they are working for or acting on behalf of a foreign power.

“Being registered should not be seen as any kind of taint and certainly not as a crime,” Mr Turnbull said.

“If you fail to disclose your ties, then you will be liable for a criminal offence.”

Attorney-General George Brandis said the legal definition of espionage would be broadened to make it a crime to possess sensitive information, rather than merely communicating it.

The legislation will also create a new offence of unlawful interference in Australia’s political system, including behaviours that would harm the national interest.

“If you act covertly on behalf of a foreign actor, in a way that harms Australia’s national security, to influence the political process, or a government decision, that conduct will be criminalised,” Senator Brandis said.

Life in jail will be the toughest penalty for espionage.

In Question Time yesterday, the PM attacked Senator Dastyari over his relationship with highprofile Chinese donor Huang Xiangmo. Senator Dastyari reportedly warned the businessman his phone might have been bugged by government agencies.

“Senator Dastyari sold Australia out,” the PM said.

Another new offence will criminalise, for the first time, soliciting or procuring a person to engage in espionage.

Safeguards will be put in place for journalists.

Labor introduced a private member’s bill last year seeking similar laws.