Espionage and foreign interference
Espionage and foreign interference are major security threats facing Australia today.
- Espionage occurs when someone illegally gathers information for a foreign country, potentially giving that country an advantage over Australia.
- Foreign interference occurs when activity carried out by, or on behalf of, a foreign power, is coercive, corrupting, deceptive or clandestine, and contrary to Australia’s sovereignty, values and national interests.
These threats can often appear as normal activities and may not be noticed right away. Sometimes, it takes months or even years before the damage becomes evident.
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Foreign countries may be interested in various types of information, such as:
- Australia’s strategic plans and capabilities
- Economic and policy priorities
- Research, development, and defence technologies
Foreign entities, individuals or their proxies might also try to influence Australia’s decisions and its position in the world by:
- Manipulating people through personal, political, business, or diplomatic relationships
- Influencing or controlling media to mislead public opinion on important issues
- Targeting specific communities to create discord, silence opposition, or damage social cohesion
- Eroding confidence in government and democratic institutions.
These threats can affect everyone, including businesses, government agencies, non-government organisations, and the community. Certain areas are at higher risk, such as:
- Democratic institutions
- Technology
- Industry, trade, and investment
- Education and research
- Critical infrastructure
- Media and communications
- Culturally diverse groups
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The Northern Territory, due to its strategic location, growing economy, and multicultural community, is particularly vulnerable to foreign interference. Threats could target:
- Defence facilities: The Territory is home to significant defence installations and large scale military exercises, making it a potential target for espionage and other forms of interference.
- Resource sectors: With a strong focus on mining and energy, the Territory’s resource sector could be targeted by a foreign state to gain economic and strategic advantage.
- Indigenous and culturally diverse communities: Foreign entities may use tactics which sow discord, influence policy, and affect local decision making by manipulating or exploiting relationships within Indigenous and culturally diverse communities.
- Critical infrastructure: The Territory’s infrastructure, including ports, water, energy and telecommunications, is vital and could be targeted for disruption or control.
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The Australian Government is leading efforts to counter foreign interference by working closely with the NT Government, local governments, industries, academia, and communities to raise awareness, build resilience and mitigate risks. Legislation has been introduced criminalising foreign interference activity and the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce (jointly led by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Australian Federal Police) has been established to detect, disrupt and investigate foreign interference activity.
For more information on countering foreign interference (CFI), please visit the Department of Home Affairs.
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If you notice any suspicious activities, please report them immediately to the relevant authorities.
The National Security Hotline operates 24/7 and you can choose to remain anonymous.
Phone
f you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
If travelling overseas and you become aware of threats to Australia’s security on (+61) 1300 123 401SMS
Email
hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au
Visit the Australian National Security website for more information on reporting suspicious behaviour.