Call to end spies' FOI exemption

SOURCE: www.smh.com.au:

"AUSTRALIA'S spies could be subject to increased public scrutiny
if a top-level review accepts the advice of the Australian government's
 freedom-of-information watchdog."

'via Blog this'

Australian spies demand immunity to 'infiltrate, train' with terrorist groups

SOURCE: newkerala.com:

"Intelligence officials in Australia are demanding legal immunity
to infiltrate and train with terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda."

'via Blog this'

ASIO: Meet Bob with D Branch Attorney General's Department, "wink-wink":

SOURCE: Voice of Russia:

"Could it be that personnel at the Australian Security Intelligence
Organization (ASIO) are so inept or so desperate for work
that they are willing to advertise potential damaging information openly on the web."

'via Blog this'

ASIO spies seeking immunity to train undercover in terror camps

SOURCE: News.com.au:

"AUSTRALIA'S spies are demanding legal immunity to train
undercover with terrorist groups such as al-Qaida."

'via Blog this'

Spooks use internet and social media to advertise their skills

SOURCE: smh.com.au:

"HUNDREDS of former and some present Australian spies
 have posted information about their employment with
intelligence agencies on the internet in what security experts
have called "a gift for foreign espionage"."

'via Blog this'

Aussie supporter of Syrian rebels faces death threats over ASIO contact

SOURCE: The Australian:

"ONE of the first Australians to travel to Syria
during the uprising against the Assad regime has received
death threats from local jihadists who are preparing
to take up arms in the bloody civil war."

'via Blog this'

EX-SBS RADIO BOSS UNAWARE OF ASIO PHONE TAP

SOURCE: Team Uzunov:

"Mr Peter Horton (pictured above), the former Melbourne
 radio station manager of Australia's multicultural public broadcaster
SBS, has told TEAM UZUNOV of his surprise that Australia's
domestic counter-intelligence service was tapping SBS telephones."

'via Blog this'

White Pages® - Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

SOURCE: White Pages®:

"Canberra (02) 6249 6299
Central Office
Canberra ACT 2600
Written inquiries, ASIO Central Office
GPO Box 2176,ACT 2601"

'via Blog this'

Call to end spies' FOI exemption

SOURCE: smh.com.au:

"AUSTRALIA'S spies could be subject to increased public
scrutiny if a top-level review accepts the advice of the
Australian government's freedom-of-information watchdog."

'via Blog this'

George Williams Speech to launch NSWCCL National ASIO Campaign 2012

SOURCE: YouTube:



"George Williams launched the New South Wales Council for
Civil Liberties National ASIO Campaign on the 19th of October
at the NSWCCL Annual Dinner to roll back extraordinary ASIO powers."

'via Blog this'

Refugee lawyers challenge indefinite detention rule

SORCE: www.smh.com.au:

"Fifty-five asylum seekers are being held in detention
indefinitely because they have been found to be genuine refugees,
so they cannot be returned to their home countries,
but ASIO has given them an adverse security assessment,
so they cannot be settled in Australia. No third country is willing to take them."

'via Blog this'

Macquarie Telecom to build Canberra 'bunker' datacentre | ZDNet

SOURCE: ZDNet:

"The Bunker, which is expected to open in mid-2013,
will be developed to meet Defence Signals Directorate (DSD)
and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
specifications on security, and will be backed up by
additional infrastructure deployed in Macquarie's Intellicentre 2 datacentre in Sydney."

'via Blog this'

Sydney bombing investigation leaps forward

SOURCE: Perth Now:

"POLICE have made a series of breakthroughs in their
investigation of the terrorist bombings of the Israeli consulate
and a Jewish club in Sydney 30 years ago."

'via Blog this'

Hugh White

SOURCE: www.lowyinterpreter.org:

" He has served as an intelligence analyst with the
Office of National Assessments; as a journalist with
the Sydney Morning Herald; as a senior adviser
on the staffs of Defence Minister Kim Beazley and Prime Minister Bob Hawke"

'via Blog this'

Data Exploitation and Analysis

SOURCE: jobs.newscientist.com:

"With a relevant degree in a discipline calling for data analysis,
you may also have an established track record in the analysis
and exploitation of data in support of security, intelligence or
law enforcement investigations or have more general experience in data analysis."

'via Blog this'

Refugees, education, ASIO: what else needs a royal commission?

SOURCE: Crikey:

"With a series of inquests going on at the moment,
former diplomat Bruce Haigh asks if there should be
inquiries into other mishandled, ignored and outstanding issues."

'via Blog this'

Refugees, education, ASIO: what else needs a royal commission?

SOURCE: www.crikey.com.au/

It was with some relief that Australians learnt that the federal
government had agreed to a wide-ranging inquiry into institutionalised
child abuse in Australia over a number of decades.

Police phone intercept evidence almost doubles in one year

SOURCE: www.heraldsun.com.au/

POLICE are increasingly bugging telephones to make arrests, according to new figures to be released by the Government today.

Upgrading central city hospitals would safeguard against disaster

SOURCE: smh.com.au:

"Our elite members of the state and federal police forces,
ASIO, Emergency Management Australia and the
NSW Fire Brigade spend a lot of time planning how
they would cope with either a man-made or a natural disaster
 in the central business district of our city."

'via Blog this'

ASIO threat on day leave - man free to visit pregnant wife

SOURCE: thetelegraph.com.au:

"A DETAINED refugee deemed a security threat by ASIO
has been permitted home visits to his wife,
who is due to give birth this month."

'via Blog this'

An exercise in myth-making

SOURCE: World Socialist Web Site:

"Within days an internal ASIO [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation]
document compiled on the deputy prime minister was on its way to
one of ASIO’s favoured journalists,
The Bulletin’s Peter Samuel. The Bulletin’s"

'via Blog this'

UN gives Canberra deadline to address refugee health fears

SOURCE: theAge:

"THE United Nations has given Australia a month to show
how it will ensure the mental and physical safety of two refugees,
one of whom tried to commit suicide this month."

'via Blog this'

ASIO-negative refugee starts hunger strike in Melbourne detention

SOURCE: Refugee Action Coalition:

"The Tamil refugee who successfully challenged the government
in the recent High Court case over ASIO security assessments
 is on his third day of a hunger strike in the
Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation detention centre."

'via Blog this'

Refugee Action Coalition

SOURCE: Refugee Action Coalition:

"A 28 year old Tamil refugee at the Melbourne Immigration
Transit Accommodation detention centre attempted suicide
in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 15 November)."

'via Blog this'

UN to Canberra: Please explain

SOURCE: SMH:

"THE United Nations has given Australia a month to show
how it will ''ensure'' the mental and physical safety of two refugees,
one of whom tried to commit suicide earlier this month."

'via Blog this'

Nauru refugee hunger striker taken to hospital

SOURCE: World Socialist Web Site:

"Detainees blacklisted by ASIO can also potentially remain
in detention indefinitely, because they cannot legally
be returned to their home countries, where they would face persecution."

'via Blog this'

ASIO negative refugee attempts suicide at Villawood

SOURCE: Refugee Action Coalition:

"An ASIO negative Tamil refugee attempted to hang himself
at the Villawood detention centre overnight.
The man has been in detention for over three years."

'via Blog this'

Second Tamil refugee attempts suicide

SOURCE: Narooma News:

"A Tamil refugee branded a security threat by ASIO
and held in detention in Melbourne has attempted to take his life
– following an earlier suicide attempt by another man in Sydney."

'via Blog this'

Security risk refugee tries to end life

SOURCE: SMH:

"A TAMIL refugee branded a security threat by ASIO
and held in detention in Melbourne has attempted to take his life
- following an earlier suicide attempt by another Tamil man in Sydney."

'via Blog this'

Australia to open more military bases to US

SOURCE: CNTV English:

"Senior Australian officials have announced more military bases
will be opened to US military forces.
The announcement came following the 2012
Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in Perth."

'via Blog this'

Second Tamil refugee attempts suicide

SOURCE: SMH:

"A Tamil refugee branded a security threat by ASIO
and held in detention in Melbourne has attempted to take his life
– following an earlier suicide attempt by another man in Sydney."

'via Blog this'

ASIO probes link to bomber

ASIO probes link to bomber:

"THE reported involvement of a Victorian woman with an alleged anarchist bomber in Mexico has prompted ASIO to open a counter-terrorism probe that includes broad inquiries into Melbourne's anarchist political scene."

'via Blog this'

ASIO probes link to bomber | The Examiner

ASIO probes link to bomber | The Examiner:

"THE reported involvement of a Victorian woman with an alleged anarchist bomber in Mexico has prompted ASIO to open a counter-terrorism probe that includes broad inquiries into Melbourne's anarchist political scene."

'via Blog this'

Nothing short of anarchy

Nothing short of anarchy:

"REBECCA Harrison was extremely curious when the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation unexpectedly contacted her last month. What the Monash University student and part-time political activist didn't know was that she had been drawn into a new counter-terrorism probe, and that ASIO is investigating possible threats to the G20 economic leaders' meetings to be hosted by Australia in 2014."

'via Blog this'

ASIO | libcom.org

ASIO | libcom.org:

"ASIO officers were also keen to inquire broadly about the Melbourne anarchist scene, asking who the main leaders and identities were, and what they thought about violent protest."

'via Blog this'

ASIO probes link to bomber

ASIO probes link to bomber:

"THE reported involvement of a Victorian woman with an alleged anarchist bomber in Mexico has prompted ASIO to open a counter-terrorism probe that includes broad inquiries into Melbourne's anarchist political scene."

'via Blog this'

National iSpy - On Line Opinion - 13/11/2012

National iSpy - On Line Opinion - 13/11/2012:

"Labor's data retention plans are getting more convoluted with every attempted explanation. The government insists that it only needs metadata (not content), but is having a tough time explaining how this would work in practice, to the extent that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security was still seeking clarification last week of what the Government wants stored."

'via Blog this'

ASIO threat on day leave - man free to visit pregnant wife | The Australian

ASIO threat on day leave - man free to visit pregnant wife | The Australian:

"A DETAINED refugee deemed a security threat by ASIO has been permitted home visits to his wife, who is due to give birth this month."

'via Blog this'

ASIO head backs interception changes | adelaidenow

ASIO head backs interception changes | adelaidenow:

"AUSTRALIA'S security agency has missed out on some intelligence information because of problems monitoring modern communications technology."

'via Blog this'

Second chance for detained refugees - Metro & Regional - National - General - Stock Journal

Second chance for detained refugees - Metro & Regional - National - General - Stock Journal:

"Refugees deemed threats to national security by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and, as a consequence, kept in indefinite detention will now have the right to have the assessments reviewed by a former Federal Court judge."

'via Blog this'

Migration Act may change

Migration Act may change:

"FEDERAL Attorney-General Nicola Roxon concedes the Migration Act may have to be amended following the High Court's ruling paving the way for asylum seekers deemed security risks to be granted visas."

'via Blog this'

Ex-judge to review refugees' status

Ex-judge to review refugees' status:

"Refugees deemed threats to national security by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and, as a consequence, kept in indefinite detention will now have the right to have the assessments reviewed by a former Federal Court judge."

'via Blog this'

High Court rules on ASIO 'security risk' | Top Stories | BigPond News

High Court rules on ASIO 'security risk' | Top Stories | BigPond News:

"A High Court ruling that found an asylum seeker deemed a security risk could still be granted a refugee visa does not necessarily mean more than 50 cases must be reassessed, the federal government says."

'via Blog this'

Huawei: Shaken and stirred | ZDNet

Huawei: Shaken and stirred | ZDNet:

" I don't know about you, but whenever I watch a James Bond movie, one thought invariably crosses my mind: who pays for all this stuff?"

'via Blog this'

Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence – Speech to the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) Cyber Security Conference 2012

Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence – Speech to the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) Cyber Security Conference 2012:

"I am very pleased to be here today to address the Defence Signal Directorate’s (DSD’s) Cyber Security Conference 2012 and to see the launch of DSD’s new information security video ‘Catch, Patch, Match’."

'via Blog this'

Huawei to better 'sell' itself to expand business | The Australian

Huawei to better 'sell' itself to expand business | The Australian:

"CHINESE telco Huawei says it will expose its operations to greater public scrutiny as it seeks to expand its business in the face of security concerns over the company."

'via Blog this'

Spy force seals UN council success

Spy force seals UN council success:

"AUSTRALIAN spies gave a secret edge to the stunning victory in Labor's multimillion-dollar campaign for the United Nations Security Council."

'via Blog this'

ASIO seen as serious threat to innocent citizens | Central Western Daily

ASIO seen as serious threat to innocent citizens | Central Western Daily:

"THE powers of Australia's domestic spy agency, ASIO, are rotten at their core, could be used against innocent Australians by an unscrupulous government and should be repealed, the law professor George Williams has warned."

'via Blog this'

Spies but no dirty tricks in campaign win

Spies but no dirty tricks in campaign win:

"Australian spies gave a secret edge to the stunning victory in Labor's multi-million dollar campaign for the United Nations Security Council."

'via Blog this'

ASIO wants powers to counter changing technology - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

ASIO wants powers to counter changing technology - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"Australia's domestic spy agency has revealed there have been intelligence failures in recent years because of changing technology."

'via Blog this'

Huawei reportedly cleared of spying in White House review | ZDNet

Huawei reportedly cleared of spying in White House review | ZDNet:

"A White House review of the risks of suppliers to US telecommunications companies found no evidence that Huawei is guilty of spying on the United States, according to a report."

'via Blog this'

Chinese firm's NBN ban not political:ASIO

Chinese firm's NBN ban not political:ASIO:

"ASIO has hit back against claims that Chinese company Huawei, the Raiders' sponsor, was excluded from the national broadband network for political reasons."

'via Blog this'

Border patrol rips into tax dollars

Border patrol rips into tax dollars:

"Why then, he asked Customs chief Mike Pezzullo, does ASIO manage to get rid of its sensitive material with shredders worth only $353 each?"

'via Blog this'

Government to allow reviews of ASIO assessments - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Government to allow reviews of ASIO assessments - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"The Federal Government has announced plans to set up an individual review process for asylum seekers who want to contest adverse ASIO findings."

'via Blog this'

Company could shut down over ASIO job

Company could shut down over ASIO job:

"Canberra's ASIO building has hit more trouble with a contractor on the job going into administration yesterday, blaming problems on the $600 million project for the business's collapse."

'via Blog this'

ASIO - Still clueless - Stormfront

ASIO - Still clueless - Stormfront:

"A decade on, while Australia is undeniably one of the safe countries in the world, the unfortunate reality is that the threat of terrorism remains real and persistent and therefore represents the greatest focus of ASIO's attention," Mr Irvine says in ASIO's latest annual report.

'via Blog this'

ASIO chief warns terror threat remains

ASIO chief warns terror threat remains:

"The head of Australia's domestic spy agency says terrorism remains a "real and persistent" threat a decade on from the first Bali bombing."

'via Blog this'

Greens move to end indefinite detention | The Australian

Greens move to end indefinite detention | The Australian:

"THE Australian Greens have introduced a bill to the Senate designed to remove a legal loophole which allows the indefinite detention of asylum seekers deemed to be security risks."

'via Blog this'

China telcos react angrily to US espionage claims - The West Australian

China telcos react angrily to US espionage claims - The West Australian:

"Two of China's biggest telcos have reacted angrily to a damaging report which labels them a risk to US national security."

'via Blog this'

Tamil to take the fight to ASIO | The Australian

Tamil to take the fight to ASIO | The Australian:

"AN ethnic Tamil who was set to be deported to the US to face terrorism charges, until a judge ruled the commonwealth had bungled the case, is now challenging his adverse ASIO assessment in a bid to remain in Australia."

'via Blog this'

We must stop the government's erosion of liberties

We must stop the government's erosion of liberties:

"The federal government's proposed data retention regime deserves every bit of the immense amount of public criticism that has been heaped upon it. But focus on the Orwellian citizen spying program could allow the government to push through its other troubling proposals unchallenged."

'via Blog this'

National & World news, sport, entertainment, business, property, travel | Northern Territory News | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | ntnews.com.au

National & World news, sport, entertainment, business, property, travel | Northern Territory News | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | ntnews.com.au:

"ABOUT 40 anti-war demonstrators have blocked access to the Swan Island military base on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula."

'via Blog this'

Tamil Sydney - High court case M47/2012- M47 Vs ASIO, judgement expected next week in favour of Tamil Asylum seeker

Tamil Sydney - High court case M47/2012- M47 Vs ASIO, judgement expected next week in favour of Tamil Asylum seeker:

"Sources close to the case details reliably believes, that the Judgment is expected next week in the landmark case in High court, in favour of the Tamil Asylum seekers."

'via Blog this'

Citizens blockade Swan Island SAS training base | Green Left Weekly

Citizens blockade Swan Island SAS training base | Green Left Weekly:

"About 40 concerned citizens opposed to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and Australia’s role in the conflict, gathered in Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, 30 kilometres from Geelong, to blockade the entrance to the Swan Island military base over September 23 to 27."

'via Blog this'

Turnbull's NBN shadowboxing | Technology Spectator

Turnbull's NBN shadowboxing | Technology Spectator:

"The Coalition’s attempt to wrest the broadband initiative away from the Gillard government has unfortunately failed to hit the mark, hamstrung by a lack of policy detail that many were hoping would be forthcoming. On top of that the apparent backflip by Malcolm Turnbull on the issue of NBN costing and doubts about how much the opposition communications spokesman knew about Huawei’s exclusion from the NBN, have both cast an embarrasing shadow on the Coalition’s game plan."

'via Blog this'

Malcolm Turnbull briefed on Chinese NBN ban | The Australian

Malcolm Turnbull briefed on Chinese NBN ban | The Australian:

"LIBERAL frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull was briefed by ASIO on the national security risks posed by the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, despite claiming he was "not privy" to the government's security intelligence advice about the controversial company."

'via Blog this'

Telstra reveals RSPCA, local councils accessing its customers' data - ozlog, data retention, Telstra - Security - Techworld

Telstra reveals RSPCA, local councils accessing its customers' data - ozlog, data retention, Telstra - Security - Techworld:

"Telstra has revealed that non-police and intelligence agencies, such as the RSPCA, request customer information from the telco to aid with investigations."

'via Blog this'

Police want data stored indefinitely, but compromise on two years - data retention, AFP, Andrew Scipione - Computerworld

Police want data stored indefinitely, but compromise on two years - data retention, AFP, Andrew Scipione - Computerworld:

"Police commissioners told the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) that although police would like communications data to be kept indefinitely, they have compromised on a two-year period for data retention following negotiations with the Attorney-General’s department."

'via Blog this'

Sky News: Police watch Vic military base blockade

Sky News: Police watch Vic military base blockade:

"Police are watching anti-war protesters who've blockaded an Australian military training base on Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula."

'via Blog this'

Hackers breach, deface UTS website

Hackers breach, deface UTS website:

"Hackers broke into a server at the University of Technology Sydney and published the usernames and passwords of dozens of staff accounts on a UTS web page."

'via Blog this'

Muslim 'cult leader' revealed

Muslim 'cult leader' revealed:

"IN THE bright sunshine on the steps outside the convention centre, a gaunt, bearded figure jabs his finger into the air and chants: ''Christopher Hitchens, burn in hell!''"

'via Blog this'

Government threatens more online spying | Green Left Weekly

Government threatens more online spying | Green Left Weekly:

"In response to wide-ranging criticisms of, and growing opposition to, proposed data retention and increased surveillance powers for Australian spy agencies, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has gone on the offensive."

'via Blog this'

Metadata still "spying" on people, says Pirate Party - Nicola Roxon, Pirate Party Australia, data retention, metadata - Computerworld

Metadata still "spying" on people, says Pirate Party - Nicola Roxon, Pirate Party Australia, data retention, metadata - Computerworld:

"Pirate Party Australia has criticised the Attorney-General’s letter to a parliamentary committee to “clarify” proposals around data retention."

'via Blog this'

Guns seized in terror raids - National News - National - General - Devonport Times

Guns seized in terror raids - National News - National - General - Devonport Times:

"Police terror raids have entered their second day, with authorities searching a house in the eastern suburb of Ormond this morning."

'via Blog this'

Threat of a culture clash | News.com.au

Threat of a culture clash | News.com.au:

"UNITED States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wants people of conscience and goodwill to “stand together against violence, hate and division"."

'via Blog this'

Terror-plot chemicals easy to access | adelaidenow

Terror-plot chemicals easy to access | adelaidenow:

"CHEMICALS that terrorists could use to launch a devastating bomb attack are freely available throughout Australia, including in hundreds of thousands of homes and workplaces."

'via Blog this'

Keep Sunday penalty rates, demands Government | Herald Sun

Keep Sunday penalty rates, demands Government | Herald Sun:

"THE Government will today stand up for penalty rates in a move set to contrast Labor's workplace laws with the Opposition's move for greater deregulation."

'via Blog this'

Defence head Duncan Lewis's departure a blow to morale: Coalition | The Australian

Defence head Duncan Lewis's departure a blow to morale: Coalition | The Australian:

"THE departure of Defence secretary Duncan Lewis to a diplomatic post will be a blow to Defence morale and suggests the government is at war with the department, the opposition says."

'via Blog this'

Legitimising the killings in the name of 'just war' - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Legitimising the killings in the name of 'just war' - Opinion - Al Jazeera English:

"War on terror has not only 'legitimised' the killing of millions, but has also silenced a fair discussion about them."

'via Blog this'

What is the Al-Furqan centre?

What is the Al-Furqan centre?:

"The Al-Furqan centre is host to a religious instruction school which also hosts lectures and discussions about Islam."

'via Blog this'

AFP denies using TrapWire | ZDNet

AFP denies using TrapWire | ZDNet:

"Summary: The Australian Federal Police has denied that it uses TrapWire surveillance software to track Australian citizens, but the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation would not confirm nor deny if it uses the controversial software."

'via Blog this'

An extremely uncivil attack on our liberty

An extremely uncivil attack on our liberty:

"The Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, last week argued for one of the most significant attacks on civil liberty in Australian history – internet data retention. There aren't many details yet. From what we can tell, the government wants to force all internet service providers to record details about every email their customers send, every website they visit, and every communication they make."

'via Blog this'

ASIO warns of internet terror recruitment - Government News: Government News and Issues

ASIO warns of internet terror recruitment - Government News: Government News and Issues:

"The head of Australia’s domestic spy agency has revealed that internet-addicted loners and individuals with far right-wing and white-supremacist views have escalated as an area of concern for potential terrorist activity."

'via Blog this'

Manager, Product and Customer Engagement job ($103,015 - $118,452) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:Other Government and Defence )

Manager, Product and Customer Engagement job ($103,015 - $118,452) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:Other Government and Defence ):

 "senior customer engagement"

'via Blog this'

webyter - "one must ask who is a senior customer of ASIS"

Time to beef up security, ASIO tells law firms

Time to beef up security, ASIO tells law firms:

"The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has been visiting major law firms and warning them to upgrade their technology to better handle cyber and document security."

'via Blog this'

Government pushes for wide ranging internet surveillance

Government pushes for wide ranging internet surveillance:

"In July and August, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security looked at a series of proposals to increase internet surveillance. The government claims that the changes will help strengthen ‘national security’ but it is the interests of big business that they are really out to protect."

'via Blog this'

Govt accused of 'gaming' data retention debate - Risk - SC Magazine Australia - Secure Business Intelligence

Govt accused of 'gaming' data retention debate - Risk - SC Magazine Australia - Secure Business Intelligence:

"ISP iiNet's chief regulatory officer Steve Dalby has accused the Federal Government of "gaming" telcos and voters with an overly broad brush approach to data retention in the hope of eliciting a compromise."

'via Blog this'

Julian Burnside on surveillance laws | ZDNet

Julian Burnside on surveillance laws | ZDNet:

"Barrister and human rights campaigner Julian Burnside says that we shouldn’t be giving more powers to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, given that the body is unaccountable."

'via Blog this'

ASIO embroiled in stab trial - The West Australian

ASIO embroiled in stab trial - The West Australian:

"Australia's internal spy agency ASIO is embroiled in an attempted murder trial involving two Muslim brothers living in Perth's eastern suburb of Cloverdale."

'via Blog this'

ASIO on alert for home-grown terrorist threat

ASIO on alert for home-grown terrorist threat:

"People intent on committing violent terrorist acts in Australia continue to talk in ''back rooms and in cars and on the streets'' and Australians continue to travel overseas to fight abroad or be trained by terrorists, according to the country's security chief."

'via Blog this'

Violent asylum seekers' security risk | Herald Sun

Violent asylum seekers' security risk | Herald Sun:

"ASYLUM seekers with violent histories are being released on bridging visas or into community detention - and one was even allowed to marry in detention and make home visits to his wife."

'via Blog this'

Coalition lashed for boat-people 'brain snap'

Coalition lashed for boat-people 'brain snap':

"A Coalition call for Sri Lankan boat arrivals to be sent straight back without processing has been labelled a "brain snap" by the Greens and "hypocritical" by the government."

'via Blog this'

Australia's nebulous borders - Eureka Street

Australia's nebulous borders - Eureka Street:

"While territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan attract headlines, few Australians realise that their own country's borders are not as settled as commonly assumed."

'via Blog this'

Opposition calls for boats to be returned to Sri Lanka sparking angry response from Chris Bowen | Perth Now

Opposition calls for boats to be returned to Sri Lanka sparking angry response from Chris Bowen | Perth Now:

"THE Opposition's call to send asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka would put Australia in breach of its international obligations, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says."

'via Blog this'

Oyster: The Story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service | BookCrossing.com

Oyster: The Story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service | BookCrossing.com:

"Oyster tells the story of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) from its birth to the present day. Its revelations are often shocking, occasionally amusing, but most of all essential reading for anyone wanting to know the secret role of Australia's own spy service."

'via Blog this'

www.canberratimes.com.au - When Murdoch fought Whitlam

www.canberratimes.com.au - When Murdoch fought Whitlam:

"AFTER the dismissal, Labor faced an unexpected third election in as many years, with a campaign to run and no money to run it. It was Whitlam's factional foe, the Victorian Left luminary Bill Hartley, who suggested that he could source half a million dollars, no strings attached."

'via Blog this'

NextDC opens Canberra data centre - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

NextDC opens Canberra data centre - Networking - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"NextDC has officially opened the doors of its C1 data centre in Canberra, its third facility in Australia to be brought online."

'via Blog this'

The World Today - Lawyer says detained Oceanic Viking translator is being 'punished' 30/08/2012

The World Today - Lawyer says detained Oceanic Viking translator is being 'punished' 30/08/2012:

"ELEANOR HALL: Almost three years on from the stand-off over the Oceanic Viking, a handful of asylum seekers who were on that vessel are still in detention."

'via Blog this'

Huawei's NBN olive branch | Technology Spectator

Huawei's NBN olive branch | Technology Spectator:

"The NBN debate took a rather unexpected turn this week as opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull’s attempts to shed further light on the Coalition's NBN were somewhat overshadowed by the talk of Huawei potentially returning to take part in the NBN."

'via Blog this'

Australia's proposed Internet data retention law dubbed as 'characteristic of police state'

Australia's proposed Internet data retention law dubbed as 'characteristic of police state':

"Sydney, Aug. 29 (ANI): Proposed laws in Australia that would allow authorities to collect and store the web and telecommunications data of all citizens for two years has been dubbed as a 'characteristic of a police state'."

'via Blog this'

An Anonymous threat

who is the threat?

If the point of Anonymous is to remain anonymous and if ASIO or the AFP have identified the recent attack by "Anonymous" does this mean they know who carried it out and from where, or is it easy to just say it was from an anonymous source?

ASIO building

new ASIO building in Canberra, near to completion

Gillard and ASIO cheif David Irvine

Gillard and ASIO chief David Irvine:

Julia Gillard and ASIO chief David Irvine at yesterday's opening of the Australian Counter-Terrorism Control Centre in Canberra. Picture: Ray Strange Source: The Australian

'via Blog this'

Oakeshott 'surprised' at Coalition's Huawei pledge - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Oakeshott 'surprised' at Coalition's Huawei pledge - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has expressed surprise at a Coalition pledge to review Huawei's ban from NBN works should it come to power in the next election."

'via Blog this'

Are ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) worker's identities kept secret? - Yahoo! Answers

Are ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) worker's identities kept secret? - Yahoo! Answers:

"I would like to know if people who work for ASIO have to keep their job a secret. Are they allowed to tell people they work for ASIO at all or is it limited, like they can tell just their family? Thanks for helping me out :D"

'via Blog this'

Senate inquiry should investigate Tamil prosecutions, says lawyer | Green Left Weekly

Senate inquiry should investigate Tamil prosecutions, says lawyer | Green Left Weekly:

"Civil rights lawyer Rob Stary has called for a Senate inquiry into Australia's role in the war in Sri Lanka. Stary defended three Australian Tamil men charged with terrorism offences in 2007. He said such an inquiry would look at the reasons for the decision to prosecute the three."

'via Blog this'

Coalition govt would review Huawei ban

Coalition govt would review Huawei ban:

"A coalition federal government would review the ban on Chinese company Huawei taking part in the National Broadband Network (NBN), communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull says."

'via Blog this'

that's very liberal of them

www.watoday.com.au - Assange reports to remain secret

www.watoday.com.au - Assange reports to remain secret:

 "JULIAN Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Strategic Planner job ($66,272) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:State Government )

Strategic Planner job ($66,272) in Canberra & ACT, ACT ( Government and Defence:State Government ):

Recreation and Community Facilities ???

'via Blog this'

Cyber crackdown will lift costs, Huawei tells ALP | The Australian

Cyber crackdown will lift costs, Huawei tells ALP | The Australian:

"THE Chinese technology giant blocked from the National Broadband Network tender has issued a blunt warning to the Gillard government against using a proposed cyber-security crackdown to discriminate against firms purely because of their country of origin."

'via Blog this'

Murdoch offer for Whitlam footage - National News - National - General - Casey Weekly

Murdoch offer for Whitlam footage - National News - National - General - Casey Weekly:

"RUPERT Murdoch agreed to pay a small-time movie producer $125,000 if he delivered incriminating footage of former prime minister Gough Whitlam accepting a briefcase full of cash from Iraqis to pay Labor debts, according to a new Whitlam biography."

'via Blog this'

Rupert Murdoch | Gough Whitlam | Video, Photos, Interview

Rupert Murdoch | Gough Whitlam | Video, Photos, Interview:

"It was News Ltd's biggest scoop. The first of the stories designed to end Gough Whitlam's political career ran under the byline of 'A Special Correspondent'. Now the identity of that correspondent can finally be revealed."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous claims hack website Australian intelligence - Datanews.be

Anonymous claims hack website Australian intelligence - Datanews.be:

"The international hacker collective Anonymous claims to be the site of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian intelligence service, to have been hacked."

'via Blog this'

www.smh.com.au - How Murdoch wrote the final act in Gough saga

www.smh.com.au - How Murdoch wrote the final act in Gough saga:

"In this extract from her biography of Gough Whitlam, Jenny Hocking looks at the infamous 'Iraqi breakfast affair' and the involvement of a young Rupert Murdoch."

'via Blog this'

Aust companies left open to online attacks: Irvine | News | Business Spectator

Aust companies left open to online attacks: Irvine | News | Business Spectator:

"The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has warned that local companies are increasingly susceptible to internet based attacks due to growing activity levels online, reports Fairfax Media."

'via Blog this'

Action urged on refugee detention

Action urged on refugee detention:

"THE Commonwealth Ombudsman has urged the Gillard government to find an urgent solution to deal with refugees deemed security threats by ASIO but whose mental and physical health is threatened by indefinite detention."

'via Blog this'

Most cyber attacks fly under our radar: Aussie spy chief | ZDNet

Most cyber attacks fly under our radar: Aussie spy chief | ZDNet:

"Five thousand cyber attacks have been reported to Australia's CERT this year, but the director-general of ASIO says that it's just the tip of the iceberg."

'via Blog this'

Time is ripe for cyber security rethink

Time is ripe for cyber security rethink:

"Recent cyber attacks on the Australian intelligence community serve as a timely reminder of the impact non-state actors can have in conducting politically motivated cyber attacks against the state. The emerging trend of unsanctioned non-state cyber actors (UNCAs) who claim to undertake malicious cyber activity on behalf of the state has implications for Australian national security policy and legislative frameworks."

'via Blog this'

PressTV - Threatened by Assange, West to revisit spy tricks

PressTV - Threatened by Assange, West to revisit spy tricks:

"In 1979, when the founder of the Islamic Republic Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini instructed revolutionary students to “capture the ‘Den of Espionage,’” the US embassy in Tehran, the United States and its allies responded by calling the act a violation of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and Consular Affairs."

'via Blog this'

Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)

Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)

Behind Big Brother Forums: "Opinion on Sonia? (vs Gretel?)"

'via Blog this'

ASIO chief warns of business espionage

ASIO chief warns of business espionage:

"THE online revolution has left Australian companies increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks and commercial espionage, the nation's spy chief has warned."

'via Blog this'

Tamil refugees deny posing security threat | The Australian

Tamil refugees deny posing security threat | The Australian:

"THREE Tamil refugees facing indefinite detention after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) ruled they are a security risk have denied they pose any threat to Australia."

'via Blog this'

ASIO chief warns of cyber threats to big business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

ASIO chief warns of cyber threats to big business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"The head of Australia's domestic intelligence organisation says governments and big business need to face up to the threat of cyber exploitation."

'via Blog this'

Nauru detainee scarred by his five years in hell | Perth Now

Nauru detainee scarred by his five years in hell | Perth Now:

"THE last asylum seeker to leave Nauru said life in the island detention camp was worse than living in war-torn Iraq."

'via Blog this'

Australian senator & US intelligence; the spy within Occupy: newly released GIF files… « Darker Net

Australian senator & US intelligence; the spy within Occupy: newly released GIF files… « Darker Net:

"Hundreds of new Global Intelligence Files, hacked by Anonymous and recently released by Wikileaks only two days after the Govt of Ecuador announced it was granting asylum to Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief of Wikileaks, provide more interesting reading. Here we present the link to the entire collection, plus links to selected batches. One of these batches provide further details on former Australian National Party senator, Bill O’ Chee, and his links to Stratfor, the private intelligence agency. Another batch of files exposes a spy within the New York Occupy movement. And there’s more…"

'via Blog this'

Australia's secret Assange files | smh.com.au

Australia's secret Assange files | smh.com.au:

"Julian Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Aust spies track Assange

Aust spies track Assange:

"Julian Assange continues to be the subject of Australian intelligence reports more than a year after the WikiLeaks website published thousands of leaked US military and diplomatic documents."

'via Blog this'

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan:

"The notorious hacking group Anonymous crippled a computer server at the domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and claimed the agency's website would be unavailable for the rest of the day."

'via Blog this'

High Court revisits asylum cases | The Australian

High Court revisits asylum cases | The Australian:

"THE last thing this federal government needs is more advice from the High Court on our immigration laws."

'via Blog this'

Roxon reportedly pushes back data retention law - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au

Roxon reportedly pushes back data retention law - Security - Technology - News - iTnews.com.au:

"The Federal Government’s controversial data retention scheme has reportedly been stalled until after the next election."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous Targets Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) & Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) ~ VOGH- VOICE OF GREYHAT| Leading Resource of Cyber-Security,Hacking News

Anonymous Targets Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) & Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) ~ VOGH- VOICE OF GREYHAT| Leading Resource of Cyber-Security,Hacking News:

"Australian rampage of Anonymous continues, after took down of several Australian Government website & a massive data breach from Australian ISP named AAPT now the nuisance hacker collective group today attempted to hack into both the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) websites. The attack was took place in early Friday, and here also Anon enlisted this cyber attack among their F**k Friday rampage also known as #FFF. The hacker group claimed to have shut down a computer server belonging to Australia's domestic spy agency ASIO, reportedly briefly closing down access to its public webpage. On its Twitter feed Anonymous Australia (@AuAnon) wrote: "The anonymous Operation Australia hackers have today again been busy with further attacks on the ASIO and DSD website.""

'via Blog this'

Lateline - 13/08/2012: Tamils speak out against ASIO security rulings

Lateline - 13/08/2012: Tamils speak out against ASIO security rulings:

"Three Sri Lankan men who have been declared genuine refugees are fighting secret ASIO rulings preventing their release into the general community."

'via Blog this'

Big Brother's jihad bombshell | Herald Sun

Big Brother's jihad bombshell | Herald Sun:

"THE first man charged with terrorism in Australia after September 11 was in the running to be a Big Brother housemate and says he has been asked to reapply next year."

'via Blog this'

Anonymous: We Hacked Australia - The Daily Beast

Anonymous: We Hacked Australia - The Daily Beast:

"The shadowy online collective Anonymous said Friday that it had shut down a computer server at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country's spy agency. A spokesperson confirmed that the organization's public website, which went down for 30 minutes on Friday morning, had faced "technical issues," but that no classified information had been stolen. In recent days, Twitter accounts associated with Anonymous have described attacked on the ASIO and the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD). Its "Operation Australia" arm said it plans to stop the attacks, referred to as #TangoDown, at 10pm tonight."

'via Blog this'

Disentangling three national security inquiries. | Andrew Zammit

Disentangling three national security inquiries. | Andrew Zammit:

"I was recently asked whether the newly announced Council of Australian Government review of counter-terrorism laws, and the inquiry that resulted in Anonymous attacks on ASIO and DSD websites, were the same thing. They aren’t, but the three different national security inquiries currently happening can be easily confused."

'via Blog this'

Appeal puts terrorism author back behind bars

Appeal puts terrorism author back behind bars:

"THE notorious extremist and former Qantas baggage handler Bilal Khazal was back behind bars last night after the High Court reinstated his conviction for compiling a do-it-yourself terrorism manual that was published on the internet."

'via Blog this'

Danby responds to Magid article | J-Wire

Danby responds to Magid article | J-Wire:

"Robert Magid, publisher of the Australian Jewish News, appeared on ABC-TV’s Lateline last night following his article on comapssion for asylum-seekers. Labor Federal MP comments…"

'via Blog this'

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan

Hackers cripple ASIO site to protest web spy plan:

"The notorious hacking group Anonymous crippled a computer server at the domestic spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and claimed the agency's website would be unavailable for the rest of the day."

'via Blog this'

Gillard announces review of counter-terrorism legislation

Gillard announces review of counter-terrorism legislation:

"A LONG-AWAITED review of counter-terrorism laws Australia introduced after the London bombings is finally going ahead."

'via Blog this'

Spy Chiefs Photos

Spy Chiefs Photos:

"David Irvine, Director-General of Security, in charge of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)."

'via Blog this'

Wanted: locksmith to open doors to world of spy secrets

Wanted: locksmith to open doors to world of spy secrets:

"HANDY with a lock pick? Watched all the James Bond movies? Want to see the world, meet interesting people and break into their embassy to steal their secrets? The Australian Secret Intelligence Service might have the job for you."

'via Blog this'

How a Canadian spy scandal rocked ASIO - Late Night Live - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

How a Canadian spy scandal rocked ASIO - Late Night Live - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"A Canadian naval officer, Sub-Lieutenant Jeffrey Delisle, is alleged to have sold top secret intelligence to Russian agents and in the process is said to have done significant damage to the treasured intelligence-sharing relationships between western governments. None of the governments, including Australia, are commenting on the story. What are the ramifications of this breach for the intelligence community, especially here in Australia?"

'via Blog this'

U.S. Force Posture Strategy in the Asia Pacific Region

An Independent Assessment

'via Blog this'

Terrorists, spies stripped of their passports | News.com.au

Terrorists, spies stripped of their passports | News.com.au:

"FIVE suspected terrorists, sympathisers or spies have been stripped of their passports in the past year following advice from ASIO."

'via Blog this'

Australian Secret Intelligence Service – ASIS | Aussies At War

Australian Secret Intelligence Service – ASIS | Aussies At War:

"ASIS‘s primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia’s interests and the well-being of its citizens."

'via Blog this'

***SYRIAN~WORLD WAR III ROLLING UPDATES***

***SYRIAN~WORLD WAR III ROLLING UPDATES***:

"Australian Secret Intelligence Service warns of CBRN threat
Published on July 19, 2012 by Pat Dulnier"

'via Blog this'

Watchdog warns over extending spies' power

Watchdog warns over extending spies' power:

"Australia's intelligence watchdog has declared she is on the lookout for whether a proposal to embark upon one of the biggest expansions of security powers in a decade will lead to an imbalance between state power and private rights."

'via Blog this'

Delisle Spy Case: Australia's known spy scandals, with Canadian connections, too | Full Comment | National Post

Delisle Spy Case: Australia's known spy scandals, with Canadian connections, too | Full Comment | National Post:

"As the trial of Jeffrey Delisle, Canadian Navy officer and alleged spy, resumes in Halifax, plausible reports have been emerging that the information reportedly improperly distributed by Delisle may have compromised Australian intelligence operations. The facility that Delisle worked at is involved in a little-known multi-lateral security agreement among the Anglosphere powers — the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If Delisle was indeed providing information to a foreign power, believed to be Russia, there’s every reason to believe that some of that information may have originated in, or concerned, Australia."

'via Blog this'

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots | StratRisks

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots | StratRisks:

 "Source: Telegraph Daily
Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) chief Nick Warner gave the first-ever public speech by a director-general of the 60-year-old overseas spy agency last week. It was a calculated move by the Labor government to politically promote ASIS, Australia’s equivalent of the CIA. Warner said it was time to “raise public awareness” of ASIS’s “unique contribution” to “our foreign policy and security.”"

'via Blog this'

Canada spy case rocks ASIO

Canada spy case rocks ASIO:

"AN ALLEGED Canadian spy has compromised Australian intelligence information in an international espionage case that has sent shock waves through Western security agencies."

'via Blog this'

Australian government websites taken offline by Anonymous - security, data retention plan, Australian goverment websites, anonymous - CIO

Australian government websites taken offline by Anonymous - security, data retention plan, Australian goverment websites, anonymous - CIO:

"Hacktivist group says the attacks were in response to proposed data retention laws"

'via Blog this'

Ludlam: government paying "lip service" on data retention proposals - ozlog, data retention, Scott Ludlam - Computerworld

Ludlam: government paying "lip service" on data retention proposals - ozlog, data retention, Scott Ludlam - Computerworld:

"Data retention proposals by the Federal Government need to be more carefully thought through, according to Scott Ludlam"

'via Blog this'

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots

Australia’s spies active in world’s strategic hotspots:

"Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) chief Nick Warner gave the first-ever public speech by a director-general of the 60-year-old overseas spy agency last week. It was a calculated move by the Labor government to politically promote ASIS, Australia’s equivalent of the CIA. Warner said it was time to “raise public awareness” of ASIS’s “unique contribution” to “our foreign policy and security.”"

'via Blog this'

Australians covertly monitoring Indonesian boat routes | The Australian

Australians covertly monitoring Indonesian boat routes | The Australian:

"AUSTRALIAN Secret Intelligence Service officers are involved in covert operations in Indonesia's remote eastern archipelago, gathering information to disrupt asylum-seeker boat departures."

'via Blog this'

History lesson: Australian Secret Intelligence Service - YouTube

History lesson: Australian Secret Intelligence Service - YouTube:

"ABC reporter Narda Gilmore takes a look at the Australian Secret Intelligence Service's history."

'via Blog this'

Australian foreign intelligence chief acknowledges cyber security threat - security, cyber terrorism, cyber security, ASIS - Security - Techworld

Australian foreign intelligence chief acknowledges cyber security threat - security, cyber terrorism, cyber security, ASIS - Security - Techworld:

"ASIS director general says advances in information technology and other technological innovations will be among the greatest risks to Australia's security in the next 10-15 years."

'via Blog this'

Threat of mass terror increasing: ASIS | The Australian

Threat of mass terror increasing: ASIS | The Australian:

"THE opportunities for terrorists to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will increase over the coming decade, the head of Australia's overseas spy network has warned."

'via Blog this'

ASIO's getting the keys to your computer

ASIO's getting the keys to your computer:

"Man, we’re screwed. If the Greens are the only political actors standing between us and the government’s exciting new Orwellian surveillance laws it’s probably time to pack our bags and check into Room 101. Because both the government and opposition (which is soon to become the government by a crushing majority) seem very comfortable with the idea of letting ASIO get up real close and personal for a deep body rub-humping all over you online."

'via Blog this'

ASIS boss opens up on a kinder, gentler spy agency

ASIS boss opens up on a kinder, gentler spy agency:

"The Australian Secret Intelligence Service does not use violence, blackmail or threats in its work to protect Australia against terrorism and other security threats, according to the spy agency's chief, Nick Warner."

'via Blog this'

Be sceptical of vague new 'national security' powers - The Drum Opinion (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Be sceptical of vague new 'national security' powers - The Drum Opinion (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"Any proposal by the government to increase its own power should be treated with scepticism."

'via Blog this'

Opinion - The West Australian

Opinion - The West Australian:

"Stuff the carbon price. The country needs a cliche tax."

'via Blog this'

Daily Cuppa: hacks, back doors and data breaches | ZDNet

Daily Cuppa: hacks, back doors and data breaches | ZDNet:

"The weekend, tech news was filled with espionage, data breaches and even more hacks. Here's the news to get you ready for the week."

'via Blog this'

Correspondent with impeccable contacts

Correspondent with impeccable contacts:

"Distinguished war correspondent Denis Warner OBE CMG, who has died at the age of 94, is being remembered for predicting the infamous raid on ASIO's headquarters during the Whitlam years."

'via Blog this'

Why has the Right gone missing on the surveillance state? - Democratic Underground

Why has the Right gone missing on the surveillance state? - Democratic Underground:

"It took a while but Fairfax finally lumbered into action today on the remarkable proposals to dramatically expand government surveillance of Australians that are before the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, editorialising that intelligence agencies needed to explain why they want to retain Australians’ internet data, after its security specialist Dylan Welch had covered the proposals yesterday. "

'via Blog this'

Down Under-surveillance: Australian govt seeks confidential online data — RT

Down Under-surveillance: Australian govt seeks confidential online data — RT:

"Internet users in Australia may be forced to share every aspect of their online lives with the government. If passed into law, a new security measure would require service providers to retain customers’ phone and internet data online for two years."

'via Blog this'

Govt responds to data retention criticism | ZDNet

Govt responds to data retention criticism | ZDNet:

"The Federal Government has defended the need for intelligence agencies to have access to internet and phone records of Australians."

'via Blog this'

Australian authorities propose broad expansion of government surveillance powers.

Australian authorities propose broad expansion of government surveillance powers.:

"The list of countries seeking new Internet surveillance powers continues to grow. On Monday, Australian authorities revealed that they want a new “interception regime” enabling them to wiretap the Web—similar to plans outlined in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom."

'via Blog this'

Secret agency steps into the light

Secret agency steps into the light:

"THE head of Australia's overseas spy service, ASIS, will deliver the first public speech in the organisation's history next week, in order to commemorate the organisation's 60th anniversary."

'via Blog this'

Spy bid to keep our net data

Spy bid to keep our net data:

"The telephone and internet data of every Australian will be retained for up to two years and intelligence agencies would be given increased access to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, under a suite of new proposals from Australia's intelligence community."

'via Blog this'

Husband's plea to free ASIO 'risk'

Husband's plea to free ASIO 'risk':

"THE husband of Ranjini, the Sri Lankan mother of two boys who has been deemed a security risk by ASIO, is planning a personal appeal to the Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, for her to be released into his care."

'via Blog this'

Notification of Subscriber Data Loss

Dear Subscriber

We are writing to notify you that the Department has been advised by a former external contractor that a DVD which included information provided by Stay Smart Online Alert Service subscribers was lost in Australia Posts’ system, after being posted on 11 April 2012. 

The external contractor provided the Alert Service on behalf of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (‘the Department’) from 2008 until 29 April 2012, when its contract with the Department expired.  As you may be aware, the Stay Smart Online Alert Service is currently being re-developed by the Department in collaboration with two new contractors. 

As part of the expiry of contract handover process, the original contractor advised that it copied its SSO Alert Service subscriber database onto a DVD and, on 11 April 2012, posted this DVD to the Department using Australia Post’s express post service. Unfortunately, this DVD was never received by the Department. The original contractor has informed the Department that information on the missing DVD included subscribers’: usernames; email addresses; memorable phrases; and passwords which are unreadable (as cryptographic hash).  

The Department has no reason to believe that this information has been found and misused by any third party and we do not believe that there is a privacy risk.  We are informing subscribers consistent with a ‘best practice’ approach for privacy matters.

However, if you have used the same username, memorable phrase and/or password for other websites or services you may wish to consider whether these need to be changed.   

For information on password security and other tips and advice on how to be safe and secure online, visit Stay Smart Online website (www.staysmartonline.gov.au).

Regards

Stay Smart Online Team


****************************************
the above was emailed to me as a subscriber to the service, for some reason I believe it was relevant to post it here : ) webyter

NBN Co: Huawei FOI could harm national security | ZDNet

NBN Co: Huawei FOI could harm national security | ZDNet:

"Exclusive: In March, it was revealed that the Australian Government banned Chinese-owned network vendor Huawei from competing for contracts with the National Broadband Network (NBN) on the advice of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Huawei has long been under scrutiny, due to concerns that Huawei president Ren Zhengfei is a retired major in the People's Liberation Army."

'via Blog this'

AUSI OSINT: China Intercepting Australians in China and Hong Kong?

AUSI OSINT: China Intercepting Australians in China and Hong Kong?:

"As an example of concerns over Chinese electronic information gathering."

'via Blog this'

BRUCE HAIGH: BRUCE WRITES 2011

BRUCE HAIGH: BRUCE WRITES 2011:

"The story portrayed in the Four Corners program, ‘Smugglers Paradise – Australia’, on the 4 June, was not the one intended. Responding to criticism in The Australian, which I think is misplaced, the producer, Sue Spencer, says the facts of the program are not in dispute, I disagree."

'via Blog this'