The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill has been introduced in response to a series of espionage cases linked to Beijing across Western countries. The bill imposes significant penalties, including decades of imprisonment, for former defense personnel and Australian public servants who share classified secrets. Federal Labor Defence Minister Richard Marles introduced the legislation on Sept. 14, which requires former military personnel to obtain approval before working for a foreign military or government service.
Failure to receive approval could result in a 20-year prison sentence, and individuals who receive permission but fail to adhere to government requirements could face five years behind bars. Those who provide tactical or weapons training could also face penalties of up to 20 years. Mr. Marles emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s secrets and sensitive information to preserve Australia’s national security and ensure the safety of its citizens. The legislation is modeled after similar laws in the United States and is aimed at safeguarding technology exchange between AUKUS partners, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Exceptions to the laws will be made for other Five Eyes nations, New Zealand and Canada, as well as humanitarian work for organizations like the United Nations or Red Cross. Meanwhile, Western governments are prosecuting individuals accused of spying or espionage work for Beijing. In the UK, a political researcher for a UK Parliament member was arrested on suspicion of spying for China and providing information to Beijing. The individual, a male Briton in his late 20s who studied and worked in China, had high-level security clearance and contributed to the UK’s China policy.
In Australia, Alexander Csergo, a 55-year-old man, is facing charges of foreign interference and gathering information for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Csergo allegedly received envelopes of cash to compile information on the AUKUS pact, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, and mining activities. He communicated with alleged spies known as “Ken” and “Evelyn,” who are believed to work for a foreign spy agency. Additionally, former US military pilot Daniel Duggan, accused of teaching Chinese aviators how to operate aircraft carriers, was extradited from Australia earlier this year. Duggan allegedly received payments from a Chinese-based business involved in acquiring military equipment and data for the PRC government and military.