Anti-spy scheme may be too late

A TRANSPARENCY scheme designed to stop foreign interference in Australian democracy won’t be set up before the by-election to replace former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and might not be ready for an early general election.

Under the foreign influence transparency scheme, individuals and companies that lobby on behalf of foreign governments, or organisations linked to foreign governments, will have to register with authorities.

Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter wants the register to start as soon as possible to counter the highest levels of espionage in Australia since the Cold War.

A law establishing the scheme was rushed through Federal Parliament in June before the Super Saturday byelections, but the Government is still establishing an IT system and other supports needed before it can come into effect.

Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick said it was disappointing the scheme wouldn’t be ready for the October 20 Wentworth by-election, and concerned it might not be operational if an early general election were forced this year.

“Ensuring the integrity of Australia’s democratic processes should be an absolute priority,” said Senator Patrick. “Anyone operating on behalf of foreign interests should do so in the open, not in the shadows.’’

Mr Porter said he had instructed his department to ensure the transparency scheme could start as soon as possible.

Parliament in June also passed espionage laws with tougher penalties for treason and passing on trade secrets.

Mr Porter said the Bills refleced the fact that “we live in a time of unprecedented foreign intelligence activity against Australia.”