Safeguarding Australia’s Democracy: Addressing Foreign Interference in Federal Elections

Australia’s federal election is fast approaching, and with it comes heightened concern over foreign interference. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess recently warned that Australia remains a target for foreign influence operations, including attempts to sway election outcomes. While domestic media bias has long been an issue, covert influence from foreign actors aiming to install a government that serves their interests is an increasing risk that demands urgent attention.

ASIO’s Vigilance Against Foreign Interference

In his annual threat assessment, Burgess revealed that multiple foreign intelligence agencies have plotted to harm Australian residents, including plans to assassinate a human rights activist. These incidents highlight the lengths some nations will go to suppress dissent and manipulate political outcomes abroad. ASIO has also reported increased efforts by foreign governments to infiltrate Australian political parties, influence key policymakers, and shape public narratives through disinformation campaigns.

Burgess made it clear that Australia’s next election will be closely monitored by hostile foreign actors seeking to install a government more aligned with their geopolitical goals. While no country was named outright, past intelligence reports have pointed to China and Russia as key players in global election interference.

Historical Context of Foreign Interference

Foreign electoral interference is not new to Australia. In 2019, reports emerged of an alleged plot by the Chinese government to infiltrate the Australian Parliament by recruiting a spy to run for a seat in the federal election. The plot was uncovered and thwarted by intelligence agencies, but it served as a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing Australian democracy.

More recently, concerns have been raised about foreign-linked political donations being used to gain influence over Australian decision-makers. Australia has since introduced laws banning foreign political donations, but loopholes remain, particularly around entities operating within Australia that have significant overseas backing.

Current Measures and Challenges

The Australian government has implemented several measures to combat foreign interference, including:

• Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme – Requires individuals and entities acting on behalf of foreign principals to register their activities, promoting transparency in political lobbying.
• Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce – Comprising various government agencies, this taskforce works to safeguard federal elections against interference and disinformation.
• Tougher Political Donation Laws – Efforts to limit foreign money in Australian politics have improved but remain imperfect due to gaps in enforcement and oversight.

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. The digital age has amplified the reach and sophistication of disinformation campaigns, making it easier for foreign actors to manipulate public opinion. Social media platforms, in particular, have been utilised to spread misleading information, often targeting diaspora communities and vulnerable voter segments to sow discord and sway votes.

The Role of Domestic Media and Foreign Ownership

While foreign interference is a pressing concern, the influence of domestically owned media conglomerates with foreign ties cannot be overlooked. Some of the most powerful media figures in Australia, including Rupert Murdoch and Peter Costello, have international business interests that may shape their editorial agendas. The concentration of media ownership in Australia has created an environment where a handful of executives control a significant portion of the political discourse, often amplifying certain narratives while burying others.

Several key concerns include:

• Uncritical coverage of certain political parties – Some media outlets consistently favour the Coalition while running aggressive campaigns against Labor and progressive candidates.
• Targeted smear campaigns – Political figures who challenge corporate or foreign-linked interests find themselves subject to relentless negative coverage.
• Editorial influence shaping public perception – Framing of political narratives in major news outlets affects how Australians interpret policy debates and election campaigns.

Given these dynamics, Australia’s media ecosystem can at times act as a conduit for foreign-influenced narrativeswithout direct interference from foreign governments. This issue remains largely unaddressed in current discussions on election security.

The Growing Threat of Digital Manipulation

Social media disinformation campaigns have become a primary tool for foreign actors seeking to undermine democracies. These campaigns often involve:

• Fake accounts posing as Australian voters – Used to spread misleading content, inflame tensions, and create division.
• Amplification of extremist views – Foreign actors exploit existing divides to stoke cultural and political conflicts.
• Manipulation of search algorithms – Certain narratives are artificially boosted to dominate online discussions.
• Deepfake technology and AI-driven propaganda – As AI tools become more sophisticated, the ability to create convincing fake videos, audio clips, and articles has become a major security concern.

Regulating digital platforms remains an uphill battle. While the Australian government has introduced laws requiring tech companies to take down harmful content swiftly, enforcement is inconsistent, and companies often resist additional regulation.

A Collective Responsibility

Protecting Australia’s democracy from foreign interference requires a broad, coordinated effort. Key actions include:

• Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating citizens on how foreign influence works and how to spot disinformation.
• Strengthening Election Security Laws – Closing loopholes in political donation laws and improving oversight of lobbying efforts.
• Holding Social Media Platforms Accountable – Ensuring greater transparency in content moderation and banning foreign-funded election advertisements.
• International Collaboration – Sharing intelligence and best practices with allies to detect and counter interference operations before they take root.

With the federal election looming, the combination of foreign meddling, media concentration, and digital disinformation poses a significant challenge. Australia’s democracy relies on an informed electorate that can make decisions free from manipulation. Ensuring fair and transparent elections must remain a national priority.

Source List

• https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/19/mike-burgess-asio-annual-threat-assessment-speech-foreign-intelligence-operations-antisemitism-election-disinformation-ntwnfb
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-19/asio-foreign-nations-plot-murder-critics-australia/104956548
• https://www.aec.gov.au/about_aec/electoral-integrity.htm
• https://www.ag.gov.au/integrity/publications/foreign-influence-transparency-scheme-information-community-organisations
• https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/help-us-unmask-spies-new-plea/news-story/db9fa31c9869a070bd702487bb90a83c