Foreign governments are targeting multicultural groups in Australia through threats of intimidation and harm to individuals and their families, Australia’s top spy agency has warned.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has issued the warning in a submission to an inquiry examining the concerns faced by diaspora communities.
ASIO said foreign governments are seeking to interfere in these communities to “quash opposition” or “dissent” deemed a threat to them.
“ASIO is aware of numerous individuals from a range of diaspora communities who reported being subject to threats against themselves and family members due to their voicing of opinions on political and ideological issues,” it wrote.
“In some cases, foreign governments will seek to use members of the diaspora community in Australia to monitor, direct and influence the activities of the same diaspora communities.”
The spy agency says it works actively with over 100 different ethnic and religious groups to identify challenges faced at home and abroad by these communities.
It identifies that flashpoints for foreign interference can include overseas elections, pro-democracy movements and human rights concerns.
ASIO said that engagement with these groups is a “critical component” of identifying future threats both locally and overseas.
In the submission, the spy agency says Islamist extremism remains the principle terrorist threat, but also warned individuals motivated by extreme right wing extremism are becoming present in Australia.
"By providing ASIO with advice on potential threats to national security, diaspora communities assist in protecting Australia and Australians from violent, clandestine and deceptive activities," it wrote.
Refugees vulnerable to threats from foreign governments
In a separate submission, the Australian Multicultural Council has cautioned refugees in Australia are among those most vulnerable to attempts of intimidation.
“The relationship between the countries of origin and refugee communities in Australia may be tense on occasions,” it wrote in the submission.
“It is the responsibility of Australian government to protect refugee communities from attacks on them by the agents of foreign governments.”
The federal government last year set up a Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce to strengthen its response to the increasing threat.
Calls for more diverse leadership in Australia
The Australian Human Rights Commission has also provided evidence to the inquiry calling for a national anti-racism strategy to guard against xenophobia and racism.
In its submission, the group advocates for the Australian government to consider cultural diversity leadership initiatives to improve representation in Australia.
The Commission also warned the COVID-19 pandemic has identified improvement is needed to strengthen communication and partnership with diaspora communities.
The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee will release a report on evidence provided to the inquiry later this year.
