Government's counter-terrorism laws a step too far with little scrutiny

"This week saw the passage of legislation that will give the Australian Security intelligence Organisation new powers to conduct "special intelligence operations", where agents will be permitted to break the law and journalists, whistleblowers and others will be penalised with up to 10 years in prison if they reveal any aspect of them."



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Security proposals 'significantly lower' legal standards, says human rights chief | Australia news | theguardian.com

 "Australia’s domestic intelligence agency would have almost “total control” over the cancellation of passports for people who are considered a security risk under proposed laws which the Australian Human Rights Commission has warned may have severe consequences."



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Let slip the doges of war: Australian Senator calls for meme protest of data retention laws - CNET

"After new national security surveillance powers were ushered through Australian parliament this week, one Senator has called on the Internet to protest further national security reforms through mass meme power."



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John Howard reflects on the Menzies era. | dailytelegraph.com.au

"Menzies’ reign as prime minister also witnessed Australia join the Korean War in 1950, as well as the introduction of compulsory national service and the formation of the Australian Security­ Intelligence Organisation."



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Low levels of diversity an issue for security agencies such as ASIO | The Australian

"SECURITY agencies including ASIO have been unable to recruit significant numbers of staff from ethnic backgrounds, despite claiming to be organisations that value diversity."



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Julie Bishop vows to fight possible cuts to the foreign aid budget - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"The proposed super-department would have encroached on her own portfolio by incorporating the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)."



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