The Australian Defence Force is looking into claims of China trying to poach ex-military personnel to train its forces.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has launched an urgent investigation, saying there’s enough evidence to warrant a review of defence policies and procedures.
A preliminary investigation was done last month after reports surfaced of China approaching former personnel to provide military training.
“For those who do come into possession of our nation’s secrets … there is an enduring obligation to maintain those secrets for as long as they are secrets,” he said.
“It’s really important we have the most robust framework possible in place to protect Australia’s information and protect our secrets.”
Minister Marles says any weaknesses will be plugged.
He has not confirmed how many people were being investigated, only revealing that his department was investigating “a number of cases”.
“It’s no secret that defence activities, people and assets are targets for foreign intelligence services,” he said.
Minister Marles would not confirm if a specific incident had sparked the investigations.
The department will report back to the minister by December 14.
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Opposition defence spokesperson Andrew Hastie branded the revelations concerning and welcomed the review.
“Our national military secrets, including tactics, techniques and procedures for our elite fighter pilots, must be safeguarded by serving defence members and our veterans,” he said.
“They are not for sale to another country.”
He said the opposition would work with the government on urgent legislation to plug any gaps.
Defence’s deputy security secretary told parliamentarians Australian military personnel were “attractive targets”.
“The onus is on us … to support them and build really deep awareness in our community that foreign actors will target our people for their unique skills,” Celia Perkins told a Senate estimates hearing.
Liberal senator James Paterson asked defence bureaucrats whether personnel had taken up an offer from a South African intermediary but they declined to provide further detail.
RAAF chief Robert Chipman said any unauthorised disclosure was an offence and that was understood by service personnel.
“There is no doubt the training they undertake will include sensitive information they are obligated to protect,” he said.
“It’s clear to them they are required to protect that information while they are in the service and once they have left.”
But Liberal MP and former commando Keith Wolahan said military laws may not be completely understood by personnel and any law reform also needed to factor in education.
“The best law enforcement is prevention,” he said.
Mr Hastie said defence personnel had a moral obligation to the nation during and after their service.
“Money is a great enticement and when people get an offer they can’t refuse, sometimes they take it up,” he said.
Former US military pilot Daniel Duggan was arrested in Orange at the start of the month, facing extradition to the US after working in China as an aviation consultant since 2014.
With AAP