Parliamentary Committee Unanimously Backs Military Secrets Bill

Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill tightens the rules on former defence staffers working for foreign governments.

National flags of the Australia, Great Britain and the USA are seen in front of the USS Asheville, a Los Angeles-class nuclear powered fast attack submarine during a tour of HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia, on March 16, 2023. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has unanimously recommended that Parliament pass the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023.

The legislation would restrict former Defence personnel from working for a foreign military organisation or government without authorisation.