This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Former ASIO chief Duncan Lewis has sounded the alarm on China's growing influence in Australian politics, warning that the country's security could be compromised for years to come.
Speaking in his first interview since leaving office in September, Lewis told the Sydney Morning Herald that espionage and foreign interference can have far-reaching consequences that may not be immediately apparent.
"Espionage and foreign interference is insidious. Its effects might not present for decades and by that time it's too late," Lewis said.
He pointed to instances of Chinese agents making large contributions to Australian political parties as part of a broader influence-peddling campaign targeting media, universities, and the broader community.
"It's quite clear to me that any person in political office is potentially a target. I'm not trying to create paranoia, but there does need to be a level of sensible awareness," Lewis said.
Despite avoiding criticism of China during his tenure as ASIO chief, Lewis emphasized the importance of Australia's ethnic Chinese community in combating foreign covert influence, likening their role to that of Muslim-Australians in the fight against terrorism.
His comments come as China has denied allegations of meddling in Australian affairs, with Beijing recently barring a planned visit by two Liberal party MPs and Australian universities announcing measures to combat foreign interference.
