SECURITY CHECKING OF MINISTERS

Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick has introduced legislation to implement mandatory security checks on Federal Ministers.

"It is a curious fact that Federal Ministers have long been exempted from any form of security checking," Rex said. "This anomaly should be corrected to strengthen confidence in the integrity of the highest levels of government."

"Ministers of State occupy positions of the highest trust within the Australian Government. Cabinet Ministers are privy to the most sensitive decisions and information, including the highest levels of national security classified information. Other Ministers and Assistant Ministers also have routine access to highly sensitive information including national security information." 

"Tens of thousands of Australian public servants, Defence Force personnel and government contractors are required to undergo comprehensive and highly intrusive security checking. Security clearance requirements apply to all staff of Ministers, but not to Ministers themselves."

"The current Australian Protective Security Policy Framework advances no reasons to support this exemption. This policy has been in place for many decades but has never been explained or justified. Ministers are simply taken on trust."

In contrast, the Government of Canada conducts security background checks in relation to Federal Ministers. This policy was introduced by the Conservative Government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a context of concerns about foreign espionage and interference in Canada. The policy has continued under the Liberal Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Canadian security practice highlights how it is highly anomalous that Australian Ministers should continue to be exempt from a mandatory security background checking process," said Rex. 

"Accordingly I have introduced a private members bill, the Ministers of State (Checks for Security Purposes) Bill 2019, to ensure that the Prime Minister is fully informed of any security issues that may arise from the personal background and circumstances of persons who have been appointed as Ministers or Assistant Ministers." 

"In the event that background checks undertaken by the Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation reveal an issue of security concern, the Prime Minister will be free to determine what steps might be required to resolve the matter."

"Regrettably it cannot be assumed that persons appointed as Ministers will always be free of characteristics, activities, associations, connections or obligations that may compromise national security." 

"Security at the highest levels of the Australian Government must never be taken for granted," Rex said. 

The Ministers of State (Checks for Security Purposes) Bill 2019 and accompanying Explanatory Memorandum can be found here.