Climate change risks rank alongside counterterrorism and cyber security as a key priority for Australia’s home affairs department, according to a recent estimate hearing. On Feb. 13, the secretary for home affairs, Mike Pezzullo, faced questioning from Senator Alex Antic, who asked whether the department’s focus on climate change risks was “comedy [or] parody?” Pezzullo…

Australian intelligence officers have revealed how Chinese-backed cyberattacks operated and exploited weaknesses in the country’s institutions. The insight comes following the ground-breaking release of a joint international statement condemning Beijing’s cyber activities. Rachel Noble, the head of the Australian Signals Directorate, said Beijing had exploited weaknesses—or “faulty locks”— in the country’s cyber defences, which left…

Australia’s leading domestic security chief has issued a stern warning for the country to be strong and prepared, saying the “drums of war” are beating in the region. Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo made the comments in a message to department staff on Anzac Day. He recounted speeches delivered by U.S. Generals Douglas MacArthur and…