Countering foreign interference in the ACT

What it is

Foreign interference is activity that is directed, encouraged or supported by a foreign power that either:

• has hidden links to a foreign power and is detrimental to Australia’s national interest
• has overt or hidden links to a foreign power but also involves a threat, menace or violence.

A foreign power can be a foreign government or government entity, or a foreign political organisation.

Foreign interference is not the same as foreign influence. All governments, including the ACT Government, seek to influence issues of importance through open and transparent dialogue and communication. This is called foreign influence. Foreign influence is an important part of international engagement. However, covert activity crosses the line to foreign interference.

Why it is a concern

Foreign interference is a national security concern. It benefits a foreign power at the expense of Australia’s interests, values and sovereignty.

This can harm all aspects of society including:

• the safety and security of our communities
• our freedom of cultural expression and political communication
• the integrity and sovereignty of government decision-making
• the economy, through damage to industries and business sectors
• the advantages from our research institutions.

What you can do

Be aware of the threat

Foreign interference is often hard to identify and unlikely to be visible right away. This is because people who engage in foreign interference will hide their real motives from you.

However, we can all help counter foreign interference by being aware of the threat, vigilant and careful in our actions.

Be careful in your actions

You should:

• follow the security policies and procedures for your workplace
• set the security and privacy settings on your devices and accounts to the highest level
• avoid communicating with people you don’t know on social media
• avoid opening messages, emails, or attachments from people you don’t know
• use multi-factor authentication and ensure your devices have the latest software updates
• avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts
• access tools to build digital skills
• learn how to identify biases and spot fake news and disinformation
• for security clearance holders, adhere to the responsibilities for maintaining your clearance

If you own or run a business, follow the Department of Home Affairs’ advice for countering foreign interference in industry.

Report it

If you think you have witnessed or have been a target for foreign interference, make a report.

What the ACT Government is doing

The ACT Government supports the Australian Government's effort to counter foreign interference.

We work across the public service and with businesses and communities to build resilience to attempts at foreign interference.

This includes:

• raising awareness of foreign interference, and how to recognise and report concerns
• providing public information and guidance on risk mitigation to help with informed decision-making on entering into partnerships or new relationships
• cross-government coordination and collaboration to incorporate countering foreign interference into existing processes and systems.