THE FEDERAL Government is addressing its concerns that Australia’s mining sector could provide a conduit for China's espionage capability.
The newly formed National Security Resilience Policy division of the Attorney-General's Department will take control of the critical infrastructure protection program.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signalled a tighter focus on e-security in his inaugural security statement in December 2008. He acknowledged the rise of cyber warfare and industrial espionage as threats.
It is expected that the agencies that are responsible for IT security, including ASIO and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy will undergo a restructure as part of the next budget.
Mining industry analysts say concerns over espionage have not deterred minerals and energy suppliers from dealing with China.
However, the Foreign Investment Review Board blocked proposals for Chinalco to increase its investment in Rio Tinto Group citing concerns that the miner’s were too close to the Woomera weapons range.
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