This bill is expected to strengthen Australia's current laws and help the government improve its ability to protect national secrets.
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| Australia has been stepping up its national security legislation recently. (Source: AAP) |
The Australian Department of Defense said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government will introduce the National Military Secrets Protection Bill on September 14.
In 2022, under the direction of Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the country's Department of Defense began developing new laws to prevent the transfer of sensitive defense information to foreign militaries that would be detrimental to Canberra, while ensuring that individuals who disclose such information could face additional penalties.
Once passed, the new laws will require some former members of the Australian Defence Force and former Australian Defence Department civil servants to seek permission if they intend to work for a foreign military, foreign government or foreign government organisation.
In addition, all Australian citizens and permanent residents also need similar permission to undertake training with foreign countries involving controlled military goods and military tactics, techniques and procedures.
Australians who work or have worked in the defence industry and hold state secrets have a duty to keep those secrets outside their Commonwealth employment. This is a long-standing duty, and it is a crime to disclose any of those secrets.
Australia has introduced strong laws to protect sensitive defence information, including related offences under the Criminal Code Act 1995 and secrecy provisions. The new legislation is expected to further expand Australia’s already strong policies and laws.
“This new law will help strengthen Australia’s national security by ensuring our military secrets are kept private,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said. “This sensible reform reinforces the strong laws we already have in place by enhancing the government’s ability to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive defence information to foreign militaries. Importantly, it is not about banning former defence personnel from seeking employment opportunities overseas. This is about keeping Australia’s secrets in Australian hands.”
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