Espionage, foreign interference and Australia’s national security laws

Espionage, foreign interference and Australia’s national security laws

Author: ANU National Security College September 3, 2026 Duration: 45:14

How do we balance effective national security laws with protecting individual rights and democratic freedoms?

Where is the line between legitimate foreign influence and foreign interference?

How well do Australia’s espionage laws protect journalism and political discourse?

How should Australia’s terrorism laws respond to a threat environment increasingly involving children and different forms of violent extremism?

 

In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Jake Blight – Australia’s Independent National Security Legislation Monitor –about whether Australia’s national security laws are keeping pace with the changing nature of espionage, foreign interference and terrorism.

 

Jake Blight is Australia’s Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM).

Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence.

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Show notes:

·      NSC academic programs – find out more

·      Launching the review of the definition of a ‘terrorist act’

·      The monitor's lens: the Secrecy Review and insights from the INSLM

·      Espionage, Foreign Interference and Related Offences Report

·      Issues Paper – Review of the definition of a ‘terrorist act’

 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.  


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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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