The Australian government is proposing stricter regulations on former defense personnel who wish to provide training to “certain foreign militaries.” This move comes as Australia prepares to share nuclear secrets and technology with the United States and Britain under the AUKUS agreement. Defense Minister Richard Marles introduced legislation in parliament aimed at protecting military secrets.
The need for these measures became evident due to several cases where former military pilots residing in Australia had been involved with a South African flight school that trained Chinese pilots. The U.S. alleges that these Chinese pilots have military affiliations, prompting concerns about the potential transfer of Western military expertise to China.
In response to these developments, Marles ordered the Department of Defence to review existing standards. The review recommended strengthening the already robust legislation as Australia deepens its technology-sharing partnership with the U.S. and Britain.
Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia is set to receive a fleet of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. and Britain. Australian sailors have already begun training on these submarines as part of the agreement.
The proposed bill reflects Australia’s commitment to enhancing security standards and safeguarding sensitive technology and information. It aims to prevent individuals with knowledge of sensitive defense information from training or working with certain foreign militaries or governments, which could jeopardize Australia’s national security. Violators of the legislation could face penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Notably, Marles would have the authority to determine which countries would be exempt from these restrictions. The draft legislation will undergo scrutiny by a parliamentary committee before becoming law.
One case that underscored the need for these measures involved the arrest of former U.S. marine pilot Dan Duggan at his Australian residence last year. Duggan faces extradition to the U.S. on charges that include illegally training Chinese aviators. He, however, denies any wrongdoing.