What is foreign interference?
Sometimes it can be difficult to identify foreign interference.
Foreign interference can take different forms.
Example 1: Some governments may threaten or harass people who express different views
A lawyer made a speech at a human rights rally in Australia. After the speech, she was followed by an unknown man and photographed and her father’s car was vandalised at the direction of a foreign government.
She received threats not to spread lies about the foreign government and her family overseas were questioned about their Australian relatives. When she attended another rally, her brother overseas was imprisoned by the foreign government.
Example 2: Some foreign governments may try to limit freedom of expression
Posters were placed on an Australian university campus by an artist critical of a foreign government.
Student groups who act for the interests of a foreign government were directed by the relevant embassy to ask for the posters to be removed, because they disagreed with the content.
However, the university did not remove the posters as this would have violated the artist’s freedom of expression.
What is freedom of opinion and expression?
Freedom of opinion and expression is the right of every person to hold and express their own views, and engage in behaviours without censorship by others. These behaviours can include freedom to discuss public affairs, freedom to hold opposing views to others, and freedom to engage in peaceful demonstrations and meetings.
Example 3: Some foreign governments may use online campaigns to silence people who criticise them
A journalist wrote a media article critical of a foreign government.
The journalist was then targeted online by a coordinated campaign directed by a foreign government to discredit and humiliate them.
The journalist’s email and social media accounts were accessed without permission and personal information, including their phone number and home address, were posted online.
The journalist received multiple messages from fake social media accounts demanding the journalist remove and apologise for their media article.
What is not foreign interference?
The diversity of experiences and views in our multicultural society is a strength.
In Australia, lawful political engagement and advocacy are encouraged and protected.
All governments, including the Australian Government, try to influence important issues and policies in Australia. When carried out in an open and transparent manner that is respectful of our people, society and democratic systems, these activities are not foreign interference.
We expect other governments to behave in a manner that is respectful of Australia’s people, society and institutions. When they do, their activities can make a positive contribution to Australia.
Example 1: A foreign government openly lobbies the Australian Government
A foreign state-owned company lobbies the Australian Government for policy change by presenting a submission to a Senate Committee Inquiry.
The submission openly identifies the foreign government’s interests and involvement in the company’s submission.
Example 2: Openly advocating for a policy change
A community organisation and a foreign embassy collaborate to draft a letter to members of Australian Parliament to advocate for issues affecting their diaspora community in Australia.
The letter openly identifies the foreign embassy’s interests and involvement.
Example 3: Expressing views on government policy
A foreign government representative shares their government’s views on Australian policies and issues at a community event.
The event makes it clear that the speaker is a representative from the foreign government and is representing their views.
How to register foreign activities
Some activities on behalf of foreign actors, including foreign governments, may need to be registered under Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme(Opens in a new tab/window).
Questions to ask yourself
When deciding if something might be foreign interference, ask yourself these questions.
Question 1
Do you believe that the activity is being undertaken in active collaboration with, or being directed, funded or supervised by, a foreign government?
- Yes - The activity may be foreign interference. Go to question 2.
- No - If the activity is undertaken for personal reasons, it may be harassment, but it may not meet the definition of foreign interference. However, harassment is still not ok and there are protections for people who are being harassed. You can contact the police for help by calling 131 444.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a person is being directed by a foreign government or if they are acting independently. If you are unsure, go to the next question.
Question 2
Is the activity threatening an individual or community?
The activity is threatening a person or a community.
- Yes - The activity may be foreign interference. Please report to the National Security Hotline(Opens in a new tab/window).
- No - Go to question 3.
Question 3
Do you believe the activity is secretive or deceptive and detrimental to Australia’s interests? Does the activity attempt to interfere with freedoms, institutions, community views, political processes or the political system in Australia? Is the person trying to trick you and hide their links to a foreign government?
- Yes - The activity may be foreign interference. Please report to the National Security Hotline(Opens in a new tab/window).
- No - Based on your responses, the activity may not be foreign interference. Based on your responses, the activity may not meet the definition of foreign interference.