National security
Keating launches spray at ASIO boss and Wong
Former prime minister Paul Keating accuses Mike Burgess of trying to undermine the government’s efforts to stabilise relations with China and renews his attack on Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
- by Matthew Knott
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ASIO director general interview with 60 Minutes
Interview with Mike Burgess after his annual threat assessment speech set off a political firestorm in Canberra.
Analysis
Analysis
Shocked? Spy revelation no surprise to those paying attention
The ASIO boss’ intervention has kickstarted the debate about how Australia handles China’s intensifying covert activities.
- by Nick McKenzie
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China revealed as country behind spy chief’s unnamed ‘A-Team’
ASIO chief Mike Burgess has flatly refused to identify which nation was behind the recruitment of an Australian politician.
- by Nick McKenzie
Fears Chinese-made cranes, cars vulnerable to exploitation
The government is being urged to reduce Australia’s reliance on Chinese-made cranes and electric vehicles because of fears they could be used for spying.
- by Matthew Knott
ASIO boss ignites political firestorm by refusing to name ex-MP who ‘sold out’ country
The nation’s spy boss said he wanted to sound the alarm about espionage, but did not want the foreign spy unit to “unpick how we discovered its activities”.
- by Matthew Knott
Joe Hockey demands ‘traitor’ politician be identified
Former treasurer Joe Hockey says politicians can feel “personally smeared” after a foreign spy operation involving an ex-politician targeted an ex-prime minister’s family.
- by Matthew Knott and Olivia Ireland
‘Your cover is blown’: ASIO boss reveals politician betrayed Australia to foreign spies
The nation’s spy boss has exposed a sophisticated foreign interference operation that involved a former politician targeting a prime minister’s family.
- by Matthew Knott
Exclusive
Crime
When Vince heard a criminal planning a violent robbery over a wiretap, he acted
A former high-ranking cop shares how phone tapping catches notorious criminals, as experts reveal who can tap calls and data shows which agencies may be breaking the law.
- by Clare Sibthorpe
‘New MO?’ Indonesians want Australia to share information on people smugglers
Successful people smuggling runs to Australia’s north-west coast have raised concerns about more advanced boats and techniques.
- by Zach Hope, Amilia Rosa and Karuni Rompies
Floating ‘turkeys’: Is Australia spending $50bn on dud ships?
The Australian armada is sinking under a mountain of debt as it chases projects some argue aren’t fit for 21st century warfare.
- by Matthew Knott