Hello. My name is Ciara Spencer, and I'm the National Counter Foreign Interference Coordinator.
As the Director-General of Security has said, espionage and foreign interference are at extreme levels, and we anticipate they will only intensify.
Foreign interference threatens Australia's sovereignty, democracy, freedoms and the values we hold dear. It can take many forms. Foreign governments and their proxies may monitor, harass or intimidate members of our community, seek to steal valuable research and innovation, spread disinformation, or attempt to interfere in our democratic processes.
Foreign interference is different from legitimate foreign influence. Countries around the world seek to influence issues that matter to them. When those activities are open, transparent and lawful, they are a normal part of international engagement. Foreign interference involves covert, deceptive or threatening activities undertaken on behalf of a foreign power that harm Australia's interests.
The Australian Government has a range of measures in place to protect Australia from foreign interference, including strong laws and coordinated operational efforts.
Australia's operational response is led by the Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce. There are other dedicated taskforces that bring together expertise, including from industry, to address foreign interference risks in elections, universities and emerging technologies.
We have also developed the Foreign Interference Community Support Hub to help communities recognise foreign interference, understand how to respond, report concerns, and access support. The Hub includes practical information and resources translated into 23 languages.
Awareness and reporting play a vital role in protecting Australia from foreign interference.
If you see or experience something that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Even the smallest piece of information can help authorities build a broader understanding of a threat. If you witness or suspect foreign interference, contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Foreign interference affects all of us, and countering it is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and speaking up when something doesn't seem right, we can help protect Australia's people, communities, institutions and democratic values. To learn more please read Countering Foreign Interference in Australia and visit the Foreign Interference Community Support Hub.
Thank you.
