STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL SECURITY

The Opposition welcomes reports that the Government intends on implementing the recommendations from a review into laws governing retired Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

Since October, the Coalition has been calling for legislation to be introduced to further safeguard our sensitive national capabilities.

Our national military secrets—including tactics, techniques and procedures — are not for sale. Former ADF personnel who have served in classified and sensitive capabilities should be prohibited from working for a foreign power.

While the Opposition is willing to work closely with the Government on this matter, it is concerning that it has taken four months since initial reports of Australian fighter pilots being approached by Chinese interests to train the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for the Albanese Government to take action on this urgent national security matter.

The Coalition has requested a briefing to receive further information on this matter and we urge the Government to make implementing the review’s recommendations a priority.