Protecting democratic institutions and systems is critical to Australia’s efforts to counter foreign interference. It is essential to maintaining a healthy and robust democratic society.
The quality and resilience of our democratic institutions and processes are key foundations of our way of life.
Elections and integrity
Attempts at foreign interference are happening at all levels of government, in all states and territories. Foreign powers may try to cultivate or get close to government workers or people who are likely to become leaders in the future. They may try to secretly control and have power over government decision-makers.
The Counter Foreign Interference Coordination Centre (CFICC) works with democratic institutions including state, territory and local government agencies to help them develop the right structures and safeguards to counter foreign interference.
Foreign powers may try to weaken confidence in the integrity of election outcomes. To provide support for Australian elections, the CFICC also works with the Australian Electoral Commission, through the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce.
Protect yourself and our democratic institutions
Elected and government officials at all levels can protect themselves and our democratic institutions from the risk of foreign interference.
You can do this by engaging in appropriate due diligence:
- Understand relationships and know the people you work with:
- Know the possible associations others might have with foreign powers.
- Know other people’s position on sensitive policy matters.
- Be aware of the history others might have on sensitive legal and ethical issues.
- Be open and transparent in interactions:
- Abide by professional obligations.
- Make appropriate declarations of interest.
- Act in accordance with the code of conduct.
- Conduct relationships in an open, lawful and transparent manner — they are less likely to present a foreign interference risk.
- Understand the potential warning signs of foreign interference.
- Understand how to make informed decisions to mitigate risks.
- Report instances of suspected foreign interference to the National Security Hotline.
