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'

Political game shows appalling inhumanity

Political game shows appalling inhumanity:

"The fact that some members of Parliament are now breaking ranks to try to come to a reasonable solution to the asylum seeker issue shows how desperate some of the more moderate MPs have become and, unfortunately, how low we as a nation have fallen (''MPs meet in secret on asylum deadlock'', June 26)."

'via Blog this'

ASIO lacks staff to vet refugees

ASIO lacks staff to vet refugees: 

"THE spy agency vetting asylum seekers for potential security threats is struggling with the ''sharp increase'' in boat arrivals, rudimentary computer systems and 30 per cent fewer staff than needed, an audit has found."

'via Blog this'

Cost blowout at secret Defence site

Cost blowout at secret Defence site: 

"A secret defence facility under construction at HMAS Harman outside Canberra has suffered a massive cost blowout."

'via Blog this'

ASIO security vetting endorsed

ASIO security vetting endorsed: 

"ASIO's controversial security vetting of potential refugees has been endorsed by a parliamentary committee."

'via Blog this'

No risk to NBN, says Alcatel

No risk to NBN, says Alcatel:

"The chief executive of global telecommunications giant Alcatel-Lucent, Ben Verwaayen, says that the company’s Chinese-made products do not pose a cyber security risk, labelling notions to the contrary as “romantic”."

'via Blog this'

The Coalition's Plan for Stronger Communities

The Coalition's Plan for Stronger Communities:

"John Howard was onto something when he said that he wanted Australians to feel more “relaxed and comfortable” about our country. People naturally seek the reassurance that their job is safe, their doctor is available, their children go to a good school, their neighbourhood is friendly, and their country is secure."

'via Blog this'

Abbott promises “real action” on five priority areas of law enforcement and crime fighting | Australian Conservative

Abbott promises “real action” on five priority areas of law enforcement and crime fighting | Australian Conservative:

"Attorney-General Senator George Brandis and Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection Michael Keenan announced:"

'via Blog this'

Waxing, waning and royal illusions

Waxing, waning and royal illusions:

"Given the revelations on Four Corners that a people-smuggling kingpin allegedly disguised himself as a refugee and travelled by boat to Christmas Island - only to fool authorities and begin direct smuggling ventures from suburban Canberra (just down the road from the headquarters of the Australian Federal Police) - one must ponder not just the deficiencies of the AFP but also the intelligence gathering of ASIO. This security service is about to be examined by the High Court over its extraordinary powers to indefinitely detain genuine refugees without any adequate explanation. Clearly these two agencies need to be put under the microscope."

'via Blog this'

US Government Attack on Wikileaks | Dissident Voice

US Government Attack on Wikileaks | Dissident Voice:

"WikiLeaks is under serious threat. The US, UK, Swedish and Australian governments are engaging in a coordinated effort to extradite its editor-in-chief Julian Assange to the United States, to face espionage charges for journalistic activities."

'via Blog this'

Union of Agricultural Work Committees, media release, 31 May 2012, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Union of Agricultural Work Committees, media release, 31 May 2012, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs:

"An AusAID examination has concluded there is no evidence to support claims by the Israel Law Center (Shurat HaDin) that funding through World Vision Australia to a Palestinian NGO, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) was in violation of section 21 of the Charter of the United Nations Act, 1945."

'via Blog this'

Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Australia dismisses Palestinian NGO “terror” claims

Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon -Australia dismisses Palestinian NGO “terror” claims:

"The Australian government on Thursday said it had cleared the local chapter of World Vision of an Israeli rights group's claims that a Palestinian NGO it was funding had extremist links."

'via Blog this'

Nicola Roxon The Protector | Anne Summers | The Monthly

Nicola Roxon The Protector | Anne Summers | The Monthly:

"Australia’s Attorney-General wants a fair go for all. Will she get one herself?"

'via Blog this'

Mother terrorised in Maddington break-in - The West Australian

Mother terrorised in Maddington break-in - The West Australian:

"A young woman has spoken of the terror she experienced when three men smashed their way into her Maddington home with a crowbar in the early hours of this morning."

'via Blog this'

Cost blows out on new ASIO head office

Cost blows out on new ASIO head office:

"THE jewel in the crown of Australia's intelligence community - ASIO's new central office - has burst its budget once again, with the Canberra lakeside behemoth now set to cost more than $600 million."

'via Blog this'

Civility plea a ploy to avoid scrutiny | The Australian

Civility plea a ploy to avoid scrutiny | The Australian:

"IT is the height of hypocrisy for Labor and gallery journalists to call for the opposition to ease the pressure on the government because of its potential impact on Craig Thomson's health.

"

'via Blog this'

Stronger Futures continues dark era for Aborigines, says Amnesty

Stronger Futures continues dark era for Aborigines, says Amnesty:

"AMNESTY International has sharply criticised Australia's treatment of its indigenous people and asylum seekers in its annual world review of the state of human rights."

'via Blog this'

ASIO defends its 'glass palace' | The Australian

ASIO defends its 'glass palace' | The Australian:

"THE Australian Security Intelligence Organisation says its new headquarters in Canberra is not at risk of being spied upon, despite the use of a lot of glass."

'via Blog this'

Defence: fact, folly and fiction - On Line Opinion - 24/5/2012

Defence: fact, folly and fiction - On Line Opinion - 24/5/2012:

"With an independent and tough minded analysis of Australia's defence requirements, post-Afghanistan, and at some distance from the bullying of the US, we might find that we can do more with less, once we establish what it is we need to do to co-exist, foster and protect our interests within the region."

'via Blog this'

Magpie 2.0: Australian SAS in Africa

Magpie 2.0: Australian SAS in Africa:

“A secret squadron of Australian SAS soldiers has been operating at large in Africa, performing work normally done by spies, in an unannounced and possibly dangerous expansion of Australia's foreign military engagement. The deployment of the SAS's 4 Squadron - the existence of which has never been publicly confirmed - has put the special forces unit at the outer reaches of Australian and international law."

'via Blog this'

News you may have missed #734 « intelNews.org

News you may have missed #734 « intelNews.org:

"Australian spy agency in rent dispute. The Australian government insists there is no dispute over the lease of the new, state-of-the-art headquarters of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, which cost nearly A$589 to build. But according to a number of government sources, the property has become the subject of a standoff between the ASIO and Australia’s Department of Finance and Deregulation. The Canberra Times reports that the Finance Department has told ASIO it will have to hand over more money than anticipated because of a blowout to building costs and timing. But the ASIO is refusing to pay more than initially agreed."

'via Blog this'

Greens challenge indefinite ASIO detention

Greens challenge indefinite ASIO detention:

"A young pregnant woman and her two primary school-age sons are the latest refugees to be detained indefinitely under laws the Australian Greens are seeking to amend."

'via Blog this'

Spooked by the expansion of ASIO | canberratimes.com.au

Spooked by the expansion of ASIO | canberratimes.com.au:

"IN THE first five years of this century, terrorism and national security were at the forefront of government thinking."

'via Blog this'

Roxon plans one warrant to snoop us all | Green Left Weekly

Roxon plans one warrant to snoop us all | Green Left Weekly:

"Attorney-general Nicola Roxon is planning a raft of new powers for ASIO to intercept and store any individual’s information. The move follows the adoption of new laws that allow Australia’s spy agencies to target individuals and organisations that oppose the government's interests — nicknamed the “WikiLeaks amendment”."

'via Blog this'

Vamvakinou denies terrorists ‘hotbed’ claim - Local News - News - General - Hume Weekly

Vamvakinou denies terrorists ‘hotbed’ claim - Local News - News - General - Hume Weekly:

"CALWELL MP Maria Vamvakinou wants to ‘‘set the record straight’’ — she does not believe Melbourne’s north is a ‘‘hotbed’’ for terrorists."

'via Blog this'

Sky News: Carr hopeful China accepts Huawei ban

Sky News: Carr hopeful China accepts Huawei ban:

"Foreign Minister Bob Carr is hopeful China will eventually accept Australia's decision to ban Huawei Technologies Ltd from bidding for work on the National Broadband Network."

'via Blog this'

Serco blocks Aboriginal passports for detained Tamil refugee, Villawood | Green Left Weekly

Serco blocks Aboriginal passports for detained Tamil refugee, Villawood | Green Left Weekly:

"The statement below was released by Ray Jackson, president of the Indigenous Social Justice Association on May 15. Jackson tried to visit Tamil refugees Villawood detention centre, who have been given adverse security checks by ASIO and cannot be released from detention."

'via Blog this'

Spooked by the expansion of ASIO

Spooked by the expansion of ASIO:

"IN THE first five years of this century, terrorism and national security were at the forefront of government thinking."

'via Blog this'

ASIO » The Selection Criteria for ASIO job applications

ASIO » The Selection Criteria for ASIO job applications:

"ASIO have two standard selection criteria for all roles and a third that is specific to the role:"

'via Blog this'

www.canberratimes.com.au - Spooked by the expansion of ASIO

www.canberratimes.com.au - Spooked by the expansion of ASIO:

"IN THE first five years of this century, terrorism and national security were at the forefront of government thinking."

'via Blog this'

Desert Herald » Heralding The Truth » Australian Secret Intelligence Service

Desert Herald » Heralding The Truth » Australian Secret Intelligence Service:

"A secret squadron of Australian SAS soldiers has been operating at large in Africa, performing work normally done by spies, in an unannounced and possibly dangerous expansion of Australia's foreign military engagement. The deployment of the SAS's 4 Squadron – the existence of which has never been publicly confirmed – has put the special forces unit at the outer reaches of Australian and internati..."

'via Blog this'

Powers push for intelligence agencies

Powers push for intelligence agencies:

"THE government is pursuing a significant expansion of Australia's intelligence agencies' powers including the creation of ASIO super warrants, extending search warrants to six months and forcing on private industry a powerful data retention scheme."

'via Blog this'

Resolution 6: Defend Julian Assange

Resolution 6: Defend Julian Assange:

"This Congress denounces the Labor government’s intimate involvement in the conspiracy by the Obama administration to railroad WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to jail. By refusing to defend the basic legal rights of the Australian citizen, the Gillard government has played a crucial role in the operation against him."

'via Blog this'

Biggest hit strips $5.5 billion from military's spending

Biggest hit strips $5.5 billion from military's spending:

"FIVE-AND-A-HALF billion dollars will be ripped from Defence over the next four years by stalling a series of multibillion-dollar projects and slashing its civilian workforce."

'via Blog this'

Activist trainer undeterred by ASIO threat - Aidan Ricketts » Aidan Ricketts

Activist trainer undeterred by ASIO threat - Aidan Ricketts » Aidan Ricketts:

"In light of recent threats of ASIO and the Federal police spying on environmental campaigners, a new book by author, university lecturer and activism trainer Aidan Ricketts is likely to cause further “interest.” The Activists Handbook: A Step By Step Guide to Participatory Democracy is being launched tomorrow night, Thursday, May 3, 2012."

'via Blog this'

Federal budget | Malcolm Maiden

Federal budget | Malcolm Maiden:

"There's some real stuff in there. Most government agencies have had their budgets trimmed (ASIO is an exception) and we've re-banked $4.6 billion by calling off the corporate tax cuts you on the other side of the House were refusing to pass anyway: explain that to your masters."

'via Blog this'

NBN in April: Watching the media watch the NBN – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

NBN in April: Watching the media watch the NBN – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"Repercussions from the three-year NBN Co rollout plan set the stage in April, with many electorates seething at having been left out of the rollout, even after months of lobbying. Some doctors were upset they were being pressured to embrace e-health while being denied the NBN. There were also the usual recriminations and insinuations of political favouritism, which were quickly denied by Julia Gillard."

'via Blog this'

Public hearings for security reforms

Public hearings for security reforms:

"A Parliamentary Committee has been asked to hold public hearings into intelligence and security issues to inform a review of national security legislation."

'via Blog this'

Pirate Party slams ‘unjust’ surveillance upgrade | Delimiter

Pirate Party slams ‘unjust’ surveillance upgrade | Delimiter:

"The Australian division of digital rights political movement the Pirate Party has slammed Federal Government plans to “unjustly” boost online surveillance powers by law enforcement agencies, describing the initiatives as “steps towards a police state”."

'via Blog this'

4 May 2012 - Public consultation for national security legislation reform

4 May 2012 - Public consultation for national security legislation reform:

"The Gillard Government today announced new plans to review national security legislation to ensure our national security capability can evolve to meet emerging threats, while also delivering the right checks and balances for a civil society."

'via Blog this'

Govt wants public vote on data retention - Networks - SC Magazine Australia - Secure Business Intelligence

Govt wants public vote on data retention - Networks - SC Magazine Australia - Secure Business Intelligence:

"The Federal Government will establish public hearings on its proposal to implement a data retention scheme and drastically bolster ASIO's power to intercept telecommunications."

'via Blog this'

Roxon goes public on data retention - Communications - News - ZDNet Australia

Roxon goes public on data retention - Communications - News - ZDNet Australia:

"The Federal Government wants to canvas public opinion on controversial data-retention proposals that would potentially require telecommunications companies to store customer data for up to two years."

'via Blog this'

ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:Refugee advocates call for Australian intelligence review

ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:Refugee advocates call for Australian intelligence review:

"A five-year-old Sri Lankan boy has been separated from his father indefinitely because of a negative security assessment from the Australian intelligence agency, ASIO."

'via Blog this'

Prosecution protection on table in intelligence review | The Australian

Prosecution protection on table in intelligence review | The Australian:

"AN extensive review of national security legislation will consider whether intelligence agents on operations should be protected from prosecution and whether telecommunications companies should be prosecuted if they don't help decypher coded information they hold."

'via Blog this'

Super warrants proposed as expansion of security powers

Super warrants proposed as expansion of security powers:

"THE government is pursuing a significant expansion of the Australian intelligence agencies' powers, including the creation of ASIO super warrants, extending search warrants to six months and forcing upon private industry a powerful data retention scheme."

'via Blog this'

Refugee family torn apart by ASIO assessment - ABC Newcastle NSW - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Refugee family torn apart by ASIO assessment - ABC Newcastle NSW - Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

"A five-year-old boy living in western Sydney faces indefinite separation from his father because of a negative security assessment from ASIO."

'via Blog this'

In case you missed it | Climate Spectator

In case you missed it | Climate Spectator:

"The Victorian and federal governments are working together. As funny as it may sound in this climate of political unease, there actually is no joke there."

'via Blog this'

Campaign to stop Australia locking up children - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Campaign to stop Australia locking up children - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"Australia is one of the first targets in a global campaign to stop the mandatory immigration detention of children."

'via Blog this'

AM - Paul Hogan settles tax row but isn't smiling 01/05/2012

AM - Paul Hogan settles tax row but isn't smiling 01/05/2012:

"Now Paul Hogan in particular was seen as a key high profile, high wealth target in the ASIO's Operation Wickenby. It's pretty hard to believe that Mr Hogan would not harbour any resentment despite the settlement. "

'via Blog this'

Ten years on from 9/11, terror threat is still changing | The Australian

Ten years on from 9/11, terror threat is still changing | The Australian:

"COUNTER-TERRORISM police in Australia are investigating fewer plots than a decade ago, but the cases on their books are more serious and more likely to involve a genuine threat."

'via Blog this'

LankaWeb – Succumbed to American pressure- Reply to Susil Premajayantha

LankaWeb – Succumbed to American pressure- Reply to Susil Premajayantha:

 "Australia is called an Anglo Saxon country, I need not explain this.  The cousins of Hilary (the Satans of the world) live here and these people do what is told by US and CIA crookes who cripple countries to grab their oil.  My friend in Melbourne connected to the government is aware of the CIA/ASIO plots, as latest as Gunaratnam’s case.  Besides these idiots think China or Indonesia will invade them and now Marines are here to protect them."

'via Blog this'

Balancing National Security and Individual Rights - YouTube

Balancing National Security and Individual Rights - YouTube:

"The broad theme of this session, presented by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA), is 'Balancing National Security and Individual Rights'."

'via Blog this'

Libs should fall in line as PM takes on China | The Australian

Libs should fall in line as PM takes on China | The Australian:

"JULIA Gillard is in conflict with the Chinese Foreign Ministry over the decision to ban Huawei from participating in the National Broadband Network."

'via Blog this'

Daring mission was almost Jack's last - The West Australian

Daring mission was almost Jack's last - The West Australian:

"In the darkness, Jack Harris stood on the banks of the Samichon River disguised in the uniform of an enemy soldier."

'via Blog this'

Labor takes brave, true path on Huawei and Tibet | The Australian

Labor takes brave, true path on Huawei and Tibet | The Australian:

"THIS has been a busy, important and revealing two weeks in Australia's relations with China. Across three big issues the Gillard government has got its response 100 per cent right, while the opposition has got it substantially wrong."

'via Blog this'

CPA - The Guardian - #1544

 CPA - The Guardian - #1544:

"Last weekend, my Party Branch held an excursion to the Police & Justice Museum at Circular Quay in Sydney to view the exhibition “Persons of Interest”. The title is of course Intelligence Agency jargon for the people they are interested in spying on."

'via Blog this'

Australian government bars Chinese telco on “security” grounds

Australian government bars Chinese telco on “security” grounds:

"The Australian Labor government has intervened to block Huawei, a privately-owned Chinese telecommunications company, from winning lucrative contracts to help build the $36 billion fibre-optic National Broadband Network (NBN)."

'via Blog this'

Northcote Independent: Memo to ASIO re spying on coal protesters

Northcote Independent: Memo to ASIO re spying on coal protesters:

"MEMO to ASIO: Chaps, I need to give you the nod about some dastardly characters conspiring as part of a secret organisation that poses a direct threat to the interests off all Australian citizens, our allies, and a few billion poor people you may not be too concerned about but it would be nice to look after. This nasty outfit is called the Carbon Party, and draws its global membership from the big polluters and mainstream political parties who think climate change caused by human activities is a lot of rot."

'via Blog this'

Hizb ut-Tahrir - ASIO and the Muslim Community: A Short Message From Hizb ut-Tahrir

Hizb ut-Tahrir - ASIO and the Muslim Community: A Short Message From Hizb ut-Tahrir:

"This is a short message from Uthman Badar, media representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia, concerning ASIO and the way it deals with the Muslim community, particularly it light of its recent move to openly seek to recruit Muslims."

'via Blog this'

Melbourne forum defends WikiLeaks | Green Left Weekly

Melbourne forum defends WikiLeaks | Green Left Weekly:

"About 240 people attended a forum on “Wikileaks, Assange & defending democracy” on April 19."

'via Blog this'

Assange lawyer delayed while flying to Australia

Assange lawyer delayed while flying to Australia:

"An Australian lawyer who previously acted on behalf of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrived in Sydney this morning after being delayed while boarding her flight in London, apparently because she had been placed on an “inhibited” travel list. The incident raises fresh questions about the Gillard Labor government’s close involvement in the Obama administration’s global operation to railroad Assange to jail."

'via Blog this'

Conservative Australia is suddenly in bed with reds | thetelegraph.com.au

Conservative Australia is suddenly in bed with reds | thetelegraph.com.au:

"SO Julie Bishop has a Huawei-donated iPad. Dangerous. Dangerous for her and dangerous for Australia if she becomes foreign minister."

'via Blog this'

The World Today - Greens label reports of ASIO spying on protesters an outrage 12/04/2012

The World Today - Greens label reports of ASIO spying on protesters an outrage 12/04/2012:

"KIM LANDERS: Outrageous, unthinkable and a misuse of ASIO's resources - that's the reaction from Greens leader Bob Brown to reports that Australia's spy agency is conducting surveillance on anti-coal mining protesters and Senator Brown is now calling on the Prime Minister to intervene."

'via Blog this'

Don't waste money on statues, invest in people

Don't waste money on statues, invest in people:

"Brian Collins (Letters, April 13) asks where are the statues of Elizabeth II to commemorate her diamond jubilee, noting the prominent placing of statues of Queen Victoria and more recent monarchs in this city. The statue of a very glum Victoria, outside the High Court building, with its sceptre outstretched towards her subjects, always reminds me of Circe casting a spell; while the seated bronze version outside the QVB was a throwaway relic from Ireland, shunted off to the colonies, where it remained in a Sydney warehouse for many years."

'via Blog this'

Huawei's Downer warns on Chinese paranoia - Voice & Data - Technology - News - CRN Australia

Huawei's Downer warns on Chinese paranoia - Voice & Data - Technology - News - CRN Australia:

"Huawei board member and former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer has warned that a culture of "paranoia" around China would deprive the Australian telecommunications industry."

'via Blog this'

China lowers AU telecoms prices: Downer - Communications - News - ZDNet Australia

China lowers AU telecoms prices: Downer - Communications - News - ZDNet Australia:

"Former foreign affairs minister and Huawei non-executive director Alexander Downer has warned the government not to turn its back on China and its technology companies, stating that China is keeping telecoms technology prices lower."

'via Blog this'

ASIO fuel application unexpectedly candid

ASIO fuel application unexpectedly candid:

"It might seem surprising for a spy agency, but ASIO exposed itself to a higher level of public scrutiny than almost every other Commonwealth agency by formally applying for permission to store more than half a million litres of diesel at its new headquarters."

'via Blog this'

Report claims ASIO spying on coal protesters - ABC Melbourne - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Report claims ASIO spying on coal protesters - ABC Melbourne - Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

"Greens leader Bob Brown is outraged at reports that ASIO is spying on mining protesters and says such action is a misuse of the spy agency's resources."

'via Blog this'

The Power of One | The Australian

The Power of One | The Australian:

"AS it was when bacteria felled the Martians in The War of the Worlds, yesterday's silencing of Ray Hadley by a boy band was a bit of an unexpected plot twist."

'via Blog this'

Truth of Assange is stranger than fiction

Truth of Assange is stranger than fiction:

"I'm not given to conspiracy theories, incompetence being so much easier to imagine, but one thing gives credibility to Clive Palmer's otherwise nutty CIA phantasm about US influence in Australia."

'via Blog this'

ASIO eyes green groups

ASIO eyes green groups:

"AUSTRALIA'S leading counter-terrorism agency has been providing intelligence to the federal government on environmental groups that campaign against coalmining."

'via Blog this'

Why ASIO won't get online with Huawei

Why ASIO won't get online with Huawei:

"It seems a simple question. What is in the private sector in China and what is in the state sector? In fact, it is one of the trickiest and most pressing policy matters facing governments and companies around the world."

'via Blog this'

Reform on FOI bogs down

Reform on FOI bogs down:

"FEDERAL freedom of information reforms have stalled, with government spending on high-performance shredding machines easily outstripping funding for public servants to handle requests for information."

'via Blog this'

lukwangule entertainment: Top 10 Intelligence Agencies in World

lukwangule entertainment: Top 10 Intelligence Agencies in World:

"The Australian Secret Intelligence Service is aimed at “Protect and promote Australia's vital interests through the provision of unique foreign intelligence services as directed by Government.”"

'via Blog this'

Huawei banned from NBN tenders on ASIO advice | News | Business Spectator

Huawei banned from NBN tenders on ASIO advice | News | Business Spectator:

"NBN Co had internally endorsed Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies as a supplier to the $36bn national broadband network, but the federal government blocked it on advice from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), according to the Australian Financial Review."

'via Blog this'

Ex-ASIO director helped Raiders

Ex-ASIO director helped Raiders:

"A former head of ASIO helped the Canberra Raiders secure a $1.7 million sponsorship deal with a Chinese telco the intelligence agency believes could pose a cyber security risk to Australia."

'via Blog this'

Bid to store fuel at ASIO site

Bid to store fuel at ASIO site:

"ASIO is seeking approval to store more than half a million litres of fuel at its new $589 million headquarters in Canberra a street away from family homes."

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Israeli Terrorism Monitor: Who is ASIO Serving? By Asem Judeh

Israeli Terrorism Monitor: Who is ASIO Serving? By Asem Judeh:

"While I was researching for this Digest I came across the following shocking links. I am not surprised by these shocking stories. Similar stories already well-documented in my many public submissions. I am shocked because ASIO’s Annual Report 2010-2011 did not mention a word about these emerging extremist groups. ASIO’s intelligence radar only switched on Muslims and Islam."

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Australia: Forrest attacks trade intervention | The National Business Review

Australia: Forrest attacks trade intervention | The National Business Review:

"AUSTRALIA: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has used a platform at the annual Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China, to wade into the debate over government policy interventions."

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Who's snooping who? - Twisted Wire - Blogs - ZDNet Australia

Who's snooping who? - Twisted Wire - Blogs - ZDNet Australia:

"The attorney-general doesn't want Chinese authorities, through Huawei, snooping on our internet activity. Meanwhile, in the UK, Prime Minister David Cameron has declared that no one should be tracking what's happening online, except for the government."

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Not-so-tender tale of Govt hatred and paranoia - The Drum (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Not-so-tender tale of Govt hatred and paranoia - The Drum (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"A democratic society is something of a collective-outsourcing system. We outsource decisions on national matters to elected representatives because it's the easiest way to get it done; also, it means that someone else has to give speeches on Harmony Day and eat those horrible rubber-chicken lunches, for either of which very few of us would have the stomach, truth be told."

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ASIO appeal questioned

ASIO appeal questioned:

"OPPOSITION immigration spokesman Scott Morrison has dismissed as ''absurd'' a parliamentary committee's recommendation that asylum seekers be allowed to appeal against ASIO assessments that they are a security threat."

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NBN in review: one marathon run, another begins – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

NBN in review: one marathon run, another begins – Features – ABC Technology and Games (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"March was full of drama as NBN Co finally dragged itself past the finish line of its first marathon - the battle to get legislative and contractual approval for its rollout - then stood up and prepared to run even faster towards its goal of passing 3.5m homes by 2015. Throw in strong support from a number of new retail service providers, the release of new pricing, a bit of espionage and the usual recriminations between the NBN haves and have-nots, and it was yet another action-packed month"

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Australian government boosts police and parole powers

Australian government boosts police and parole powers:

"Without any public discussion or media coverage, the Australian government has pushed through legislation that enhances a range of police and parole powers, strengthening the apparatus established in the “war on terrorism” since 2001. Backed by the Greens, as well as the Liberal National Coalition opposition, the Gillard Labor government secured the passage of several measures that go beyond those imposed by the previous Howard government."

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Nicola Roxon: Standing up for her gender - Local News - News - General - Maribyrnong Weekly

Nicola Roxon: Standing up for her gender - Local News - News - General - Maribyrnong Weekly:

"JAPANESE whalers, tobacco companies and outlaw motorcycle gangs are all in the sights of the first woman to become Australia's top lawmaker."

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Govt tries new approach on FTA with China - The West Australian

Govt tries new approach on FTA with China - The West Australian:

"The federal government is trying to breathe new life into long-stalled free trade talks with China."

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