National security
Opinion
Opinion
When politicians fire up on ‘security’, my bulldust detector goes to DEFCON 1
Using “security” as a justification for a policy initiative opens the door to interventions that are, in the words of former Treasury secretary Dr Ken Henry, “frankly, bad”.
- by Ross Gittins
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‘Utterly committed’: New ‘quad’ emerges to push back on China
Australia, the US, Japan and the Philippines have made a show of strength against China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
- by Matthew Knott
‘Near unliveable’ extreme heat poses national security risk
Climate change could throw into doubt the feasibility of crucial military bases, a group of leading defence figures has warned.
- by Matthew Knott
Indian spies booted out of Australia for trying to steal sensitive information
Australian authorities expelled two Indian intelligence operatives in 2020 for being members of an elaborate “nest of spies”.
- by Matthew Knott
Australia announces further funding for Ukraine’s fight, passing $1b in total
Defence Minister Richard Marles was in Lviv on Saturday, becoming just the second federal government minister to visit Ukraine since the war started.
- by Rob Harris
Opinion
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After a week of mass-murder and terror, we must take a look in the mirror
The prime minister expected the week would be dominated by the unveiling of the government’s new defence strategy. Instead, Australia’s internal security was on the agenda.
- by Peter Hartcher
‘The scheme has failed’: Landmark foreign interference laws set for overhaul
An influential parliamentary committee has found the laws, introduced amid concern about Chinese foreign influence, have major flaws and need to be reformed.
- by Matthew Knott
Australian creators are thriving on TikTok. What happens if it’s banned?
Thousands of Australians have built their careers on TikTok – now their future could be in jeopardy as politicians and experts debate a ban on the app.
- by Nell Geraets
Labor frontbencher says the US is not our closest ally
The opposition is calling for Trade Minister Don Farrell to apologise to the United States after he declared New Zealand was Australia’s most trusted partner.
- by Matthew Knott
Why TikTok is facing a ban in the United States
Depending on whom you ask, the video platform is either a showcase for goofy dances and make-up tutorials or a sophisticated threat to US national security.
- by Alex Barinka and Daniel Flatley
Olympic organisers draw up plan B for Paris opening ceremony amid terror attack fears
The French government, the City of Paris, and the 2024 organising committee remain determined to stage the ceremony on the Seine – but security agencies aren’t so sure.
- by Rob Harris