‘Remarkable’: Opposition Questions Decision to Axe Spy Chiefs from Peak Body

The surprise decision comes amid a visit from Beijing’s foreign minister to Australia.

Former Australian Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 13, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The Albanese Labor government has some explaining to do, according to Shadow Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Simon Birmingham.

His comments come after revelations the federal government removed Australia’s top spy chiefs from the National Security Committee (NSC), the peak decision-making body for security and threats to the country.