The Federal Parliament has passed new legislation which aims to prevent foreign interference in Australian elections, by strengthening espionage offences and forcing those working for overseas companies or governments to declare their actions.
Critics to the bill included The Greens spokesman Nick McKim, who said the legislation was not only “draconian” but would “clamp down on dissent”.
The new laws have been introduced before a number of by-elections are expected to occur across the country.
Staunch supporter, Senator Penny Wong declared the bill one that will prevent “interference in our elections or in our democratic processes”.