Christopher Pyne warns allies and ‘potential adversaries’ in spy base speech

Christopher Pyne has delivered a rare public statement about a secretive intelligence facility in the NT, with a warning for allies and ’potential adversaries’ alike just days after a damaging cyber attack.

Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne has delivered a stunning statement to parliament. Picture: AAP/Kelly Barnes

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne has delivered a stunning statement about Australia’s secretive military intelligence facility in Alice Springs that contains veiled warnings for the nation’s allies and “potential adversaries” alike.

It comes in the same week Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed foreign spies had launched a “sophisticated” cyber attack on Parliament House’s computer network and the nation’s three major political parties on February 7 and 8.

China is the key suspect, according to cyber and strategic policy expects, but authorities say they have yet to determine which country is actually behind the attack.

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In a speech, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne delivered veiled warning to the nation’s allies and “potential adversaries”. Picture: AAP/David Mariuz.

Today, Mr Pyne made a rare public statement about Pine Gap, a defence intelligence facility in the Northern Territory which Australia operates jointly with the US.

He also highlighted a research facility which was the first to detect and geolocate North Korea’s sixth nuclear test in September 2017.

In his speech, Mr Pyne declared America to be Australia’s “most important ally” and notes “potential adversaries” should understand an attack on Australia is an attack on its alliance with the US.

He also highlighted Pine Gap’s “cutting edge” technology and capacity to monitor and detect ballistic missile launches.

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The minister told parliament the facility was a “central element” of intelligence cooperation with America and noted its current mission had evolved from the Cold War to now tackle terrorism and other security “priorities” such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and monitoring foreign weapons development.

It helped “provide reassurance against the possibility of a surprise missile attack,” he said.

Mr Pyne made a rare public statement about Pine Gap, a defence intelligence facility in the Northern Territory which Australia operates jointly with the US. Picture: Supplied

Significantly, Mr Pyne’s speech also noted Australia could withdraw its agreement “if the Government considers that necessary.”

“While successive Australian Governments have recognised the national security benefits that we gain from the joint facilities and by hosting US capabilities, they have also recognised that our national interests and sovereignty have to be honoured and protected,” Mr Pyne said.

“Full knowledge and concurrence is central to Australia hosting any foreign capability, be they from the US or any other country.

“It is an expression of Australia’s sovereignty and a fundamental right to know what activities foreign governments conduct on our soil.”

The minister noted the agreement did not mean Australia approved “each and every activity or tasking undertaken” but meant it “agrees to the purpose of activities conducted in Australia and also understands the outcomes of those activities”.

“I can assure the parliament and the Australian public, we maintain appropriate levels of oversight for the activities undertaken,” Mr Pyne said.

“Importantly, concurrence also means that Australia can withdraw agreement if the Government considers that necessary.”

He added that Australians who held senior positions at these joint facilities were “fully and deeply integrated into decision-making and implementation processes”.

The speech comes as America’s new Ambassador to Australia Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr was today officially sworn in by US Vice President Mike Pence.

The Defence Minister warned Australia could withdraw its agreement to host the US if it overstepped a longstanding deal. Picture: Franchi Michael

BREAKING: Vice President Mike Pence @VP swears in the 26th U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia – Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr. #USwithAus 🇺🇸🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/ckGUz5IzN5

— US Embassy Canberra (@USAembassyinOZ) February 20, 2019

The speech comes after intelligence experts pointed the finger at China for a cyber attack. Picture: Mark Schiefelbein-Pool/Getty Images

There are rising concerns about China’s development push into the Pacific region.

China has denied any involvement in the hack, warning “irresponsible” and “baseless” allegations would heighten tensions between the two countries.

“One should present abundant evidence when investigating and determining the nature of a cyberspace activity, instead of making baseless speculations and firing indiscriminate shots at others,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

“Irresponsible reports, accusations, pressurising and sanctions will only heighten tensions and confrontation in cyberspace and poison the atmosphere for cooperation.”