Opposition Calls for Judicial Inquiry into ASIS Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Sensational allegations made by two former Australian spies about illegal activities of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) have sparked a call for a judicial inquiry. In a television interview, the ex-spies accused ASIS of collusion with Britain's MI6 and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in activities not in Australia's interests. The allegations include violations of privacy laws, bugging equipment planted in Hong Kong, and a CIA offer to assassinate a senior Australian diplomat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two former Australian spies accused ASIS of maintaining files on thousands of Australians in direct violation of privacy laws.
  • The spies alleged that Australian agents were used by MI6 to plant bugging equipment in Hong Kong to enable Britain to gain commercial and political advantage.
  • The agents also claimed that Australian agents were used by Britain to bug Kuwaiti officials after the Persian Gulf War.
  • The allegations of CIA involvement include an offer to assassinate a senior Australian diplomat in Cairo.
  • Opposition spokesman Andrew Peackck called for a full judicial inquiry into the allegations, citing the compromise of national security and misuse of intelligence.
  • The allegations are the second recent scandal involving ASIS, following claims of bribery of opposition parliamentarians in Malaysia last month.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of Australians allegedly maintained in ASIS files without their knowledge or consent.
  • 2 Australian agents involved in the allegations of bugging equipment planted in Hong Kong.
  • 1 senior Australian diplomat allegedly offered to be assassinated by a CIA agent in Cairo.
  • 1 judicial inquiry called for by opposition spokesman Andrew Peackck.
  • 2 recent scandals involving ASIS, including bribery allegations in Malaysia.

Sources:

  • "Four Corners" television program, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Monday.
  • Interview with Andrew Peackck, opposition spokesman on foreign affairs.
  • Gareth Evans, foreign affairs minister (no source specified).
  • "No date" provided, no date added.