Australia tells communities to report foreign intimidation concerns

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ustralians who believe they are being threatened, monitored or silenced by foreign governments are being encouraged to seek support and report concerns through a national awareness campaign focused on foreign interference and community safety.

The Foreign Interference Community Support Hub has published translated resources in 23 languages including in Hindi aimed at helping individuals and community groups recognise potential foreign interference and understand how to respond.

The campaign outlines examples of conduct that may constitute foreign interference, including intimidation of activists, harassment of journalists, online abuse campaigns and attempts to pressure universities or community groups to suppress criticism of foreign governments.

One example describes a lawyer in Australia who allegedly faced intimidation after speaking at a human rights rally. She was reportedly followed and photographed after the event, while her family overseas was questioned by authorities linked to a foreign government.

Another example involves a journalist who wrote an article critical of a foreign government and was later targeted online through what was described as a coordinated effort to “discredit and humiliate” them. The journalist’s social media and email accounts were allegedly accessed without permission and personal details were shared online.

The campaign also highlights attempts by foreign-linked groups to pressure Australian universities over political expression. One scenario describes posters placed on a university campus by an artist critical of a foreign government, followed by requests from student groups linked to that government for the material to be removed.

A journalist who published an article critical of a foreign government was later allegedly targeted in an online campaign aimed at “discredit and humiliate” them. According to the example cited in the campaign material, the journalist’s email and social media accounts were accessed without permission, while personal information including phone numbers and home address details were posted online

The Hub defines freedom of opinion and expression as “the right of every person to hold and express their own views, and engage in behaviours without censorship by others.”

It states that freedom of expression includes “freedom to discuss public affairs, freedom to hold opposing views to others, and freedom to engage in peaceful demonstrations and meetings.”

The Hub warns that foreign interference can involve “secretly interfering in Australia’s decision-making or threatening people in Australia” and says foreign governments “may attempt to undermine, monitor, intimidate and threaten people and community groups.”

The campaign stresses that lawful political advocacy and public debate are not considered foreign interference when conducted openly and transparently.

“All governments, including the Australian Government, try to influence important issues and policies in Australia,” the Hub states.

“When carried out in an open and transparent manner that is respectful of our people, society and democratic systems, these activities are not foreign interference.”

People are being urged to consider several questions when assessing suspicious conduct, including whether activities appear to be directed or funded by a foreign government, whether individuals or communities are being threatened, and whether the conduct is deceptive or harmful to Australia’s interests.

Community members who believe they may be experiencing foreign interference are being encouraged to contact the National Security Hotline. The support service includes interpreter assistance and multilingual resources designed for migrant and multicultural communities across Australia.

The Hub says foreign interference “can appear in everyday situations and is not always obvious” and encourages communities to stay informed about risks affecting them.

National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400 and additional support