Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced a review into ex-members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) after reports retired personnel may have been approached to provide military-related training in China.
In a statement on Nov. 9, Marles, also the deputy prime minister, said that a preliminary investigation had found enough evidence to warrant a detailed examination of current policies and procedures.
“It’s no secret that Defence activities, people, and assets are targets for Foreign Intelligence Services,” Marles said.
“But let me be clear: Australians who work or have worked for the government in any capacity, particularly our ADF, who come into possession of the nation’s secrets, have an obligation to maintain those secrets beyond their employment with, or their engagement with, the Commonwealth….