ASIO has revealed that a "wealthy individual" with roots in Australia and ties to a foreign government hired someone for "foreign interference operations" in an Australian election. Particular election not revealed.

The person used existing relationships with politicians, staffers and journalists to select potential targets. Indebtedness and favours were part of the plan, a foreign government was also involved, and foreign agents would have been working as political staffers for the targets.

I wonder why we have not heard of this before now, and if the "wealthy individual" will be dealt with in an appropriate manner. Where is the outrage.

Albanese has comment on the report. Nothing seen from our so-called leader.

We’ve seen enough political corruption to believe that this event is normal, not new.

My immediate reaction to this news was to wonder why it was even mentioned.

Aren’t all politicians on the take and scratching backs all around town?

Dan

These are just the battle lines being drawn for the coming election.

The combination of the notion that Albanese will be "soft on China" plus a traditional "reds under the bed" scare are typical of a government spooked by the polls and with not much in the way of achievements to run on.

The timing of the announcement also fits well with the recent parliamentary embarrassment and is a handy distraction. There will be a lot of noise in the coming weeks but probably with no real substance.

Dan,

Perhaps you are right. I get less enamoured with Australia ever day. It's the land of my birth, but given the behaviour of the 'elites', I am seeing less and less reason why a nobody like me should give a toss.

Hi rache,

A pathetic attempt by an under-performing Coalition to belt Labor over the head with their Little China Stick. The likes of Dud Dutton are an absolute danger to Australian security with his warmongering talk.