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The departments of home affairs and defence are pursuing a joint proposal to allow Australia’s digital spy agency to surveil Australians.
Under the plan, published by News Corp on Sunday, the Australian Signals Directorate could access Australians’ bank details, health records, emails and text messages without a warrant. The ASD is currently restricted to spying on foreigners, with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Australian Federal Police charged with domestic surveillance. Government figures sought to downplay the reports, with foreign minister Julie Bishop saying “I certainly believe the current laws safeguard the privacy of Australians but also keep Australians safe” …
Read here
The Saturday Paper
