Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

The Morrison government has taken significant steps to strengthen Australia's capacity to defend against foreign interference. The establishment today of a Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce is the next step in responding to this growing and evolving threat. In 2018 this government introduced legislation to create new criminal offences and to establish greater transparency around foreign interference in our nation. We also implemented electoral funding and disclosure reforms in respect of foreign political donations. Today's announcement of $87.8 million builds on the $38.8 million of measures this government has already invested since 2018-19 to counter foreign interference. These measures include the establishment of a Foreign Interference Threat Assessment Centre in ASIO.

In conclusion, the Morrison government is constantly monitoring and reviewing these threats facing Australia, so that our agencies have the right tools at their disposal to keep us free of foreign interference.