Direct national security threat from China suggesting Australia should be bombed

Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has seconded a motion that called for the Federal Government to immediately tear up the contract that allows a Chinese corporation to store Australia’s secure defence data, citing that the extension of this contract threatens Australia’s national security.[1]

Supporting crossbench colleague and Member for Clarke, Andrew Wilkie, in moving the motion, Mr Katter said it was unbelievable that the Government would allow any foreign corporation to have access to and control over sensitive defence data, let alone a Chinese company called Global Switch.  

https://www.globalswitch.com.au/

Mr Katter said he was disappointed that major parties voted against a motion that attempted to claw back Australia’s sovereignty.

“My honourable colleague, Mr Wilkie, who is moving this motion said you couldn’t make this up, you seriously couldn’t make this up,” Mr Katter said during his speech to parliament.

“Australia’s most strategic security asset is that information system and it’s in the hands of people that put on social media, over there in China, a doctored picture of an Australian soldier cutting the throats of babies.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/china-senior-official-posts-controversial-image-over-australian-solider-afghanistan-allegations/cde61d92-26db-4cb6-bf77-687e5818e949

Mr Katter said that he was familiar with the power of inertia in the public service, after a decade in the Queensland Government as a Minister and pleaded with the Minister for Defence and the Assistant Minister for Defence to understand and act immediately.

“I have never seen a Government more out of step with the people. They’ve let every asset be taken over by foreigners and if they don’t stop this contract immediately, they can expect the rage and fire of 25 million Australians bearing down upon them.”

Assistant Defence Minister, Andrew Hastie responded to the motion, saying he didn’t take Department official’s word as gospel.

“My eagle eye will be on this issue going forward and I will be seeking additional updates as I did last week because my concern (about Global Switch) is no different than yours,” Mr Hastie said.

“I know the Minister for Defence is also keenly aware of this issue and we will both be monitoring this process carefully to ensure it happens as quickly as possible.

“Had I been a decision maker many years ago this would never have happened, but I’m here now and we’re working through this problem.”

[1] https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/defence-signs-over-storage-of-classified-data-to-chinaowned-firm/news-story/d0d4e56a1ea990838feaf829934b27eb