Dutton smackdown for Bishop over her claims on spy powers

Tension builds as Peter Dutton, Julie Bishop clash over a range of issues including cyber security and South African farmers.

Composite image of Peter Dutton and Julie Bishop.

Tensions in Malcolm Turnbull’s cabinet have been exposed after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there was a “case to be made” about expanding the powers of Australian cyber spies, ­rebuking Foreign Minister Julie Bishop who earlier claimed there was no need for enhanced security changes.

The clash followed a series of incidents in which the two ministers have been at odds, including over the treatment of South African farmers and the establishment of the Home Affairs super department.

The Australian Signals Directorate’s current mandate does not focus on monitoring Australian citizens, while the Australian Federal Police and ASIO need warrants to investigate Australians.

However, Department of Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo outlined a plan to Defence secretary Greg Moriarty in a February letter, published in part by The Sunday Telegraph, to allow ASD personnel to “proactively disrupt and covertly remove” onshore cyber threats — which would potentially involve Australian citizens.

Mr Dutton said there may be a need for changes due to the ­increasing sophistication of transnational criminal activity such as child exploitation.

“In relation to terrorism the government has otherwise introduced a number of legislative measures, but I think there is a case to be made (for further changes),” Mr Dutton said.

“So there has been an elevation in terms of the toolkit that investigators have at their disposal if they are investigating a terrorist-related incident. The ­argument is whether or not there should be enhanced arrangements for people fighting these criminals, particularly in the child exploitation space.”

Mr Dutton did not rule out ­future legislation to enact such changes. “Part of the deputy commissioner’s task will be to look at the policy side and whether or not there is an argument for an ­enhancement of the investigative skills and powers that they rely on. And if there is any announcement or direction we can take in that regard we will provide that,” he said.

The Australian understands the new domestic role could include using current abilities to interrupt the technology networks of organised criminals, terrorists and child pornographers.

Further, the agency could have an enhanced role in ensuring Australian business and government agencies are better prepared for cyber-attacks.

Peter Dutton and Julie Bishop.

Mr Dutton said if there were changes, the Attorney-General would sign any warrants.

The comments suggest a division with the Foreign Minister, who attempted to talk down the report over the weekend, and said changes were not on the cards.

“There is no plan for the government to expand the powers of the Australian Signals Directorate,” she said.

Ms Bishop said there was not a “national security gap” that needed to be remedied. “We already have laws in place that can cover these issues plus safeguard Australians’ privacy,” she said. “We have very robust national security laws and we’ve provided record funding to our security and intelligence agencies.”