Laws Targeting Foreign Interference ‘Not Achieving Its Purpose’, Review Finds

The intended objectives of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) to enhance public awareness regarding foreign influence on Australian governance and politics, have not been adequately met, a review conducted by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has revealed. Under the FITS Act, passed in 2018, people and organisations who attempt to influence government or politics in Australia need to record their activities in a publicly accessible register. These activities include parliamentary and general political lobbying, communications activities, and payment of money or gifts of things of value. A separate review was also commissioned by the Department of Home Affairs, and undertaken in early 2021 by John Garnaut, a senior risk advisor at McgrathNicol. However, due to redactions, the Committee was given only partial access to this report....