November 4, 2024
Senator James Paterson has shared a tense exchange with Labor minister Murray Watt, as the two grappled over whether Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's decision to drive a Chinese made electric vehicle posed a security risk to Australia.
Security experts have become increasingly vocal about the potential danger posed by Chinese made EVs, and so called "connected vehicles" more broadly.
They warn some cars are able to act as listening and surveillance devices, as well as record GPS data and potentially even monitor phone calls made while a device is connected to the vehicle's operating software.
Such is the concern for potential espionage, authorities in the United States are taking steps to all but outlaw Chinese EVs - Australia has also seen calls to follow suit.
During Monday's hearing of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, the issue was given particular focus after Senator Paterson raised the fact Mr Burke owned such a vehicle and demanded an explanation from Senator Watt given potential security concerns associated with the Home Affairs portfolio.
After the Workplace Relations Minister confirmed his Cabinet colleague had been "given advice on the appropriate precautions to take and has taken those precautions", Senator Paterson launched into a series of follow-up questions as he attempted to pressure the government over the disclosure.
"What vehicle does the Minister drive?" he began.
Senator Watt responded: "I don't know I'd have to take that on notice."
"What mitigations has the Minister taken to protect himself and the Commonwealth from the security risks of driving a Chinese made EV?" Senator Paterson continued.
Senator Watt again said he would take the question on notice, adding: "I'll repeat the point that he has taken the precautions that he was advised to take by his Department and security agencies".
The shadow home affairs minister continued and asked: "Does that include not plugging his phone into the vehicle?".
"Again, that level of detail I'd need to take on notice," Senator Watt said.
Unsatisfied, Senator Paterson followed up by asking if the vehicle had been driven to any "sensitive locations".
"I'll take that on notice," Senator Watt replied.
Despite the lack of immediate answers, Senator Paterson continued to press the issue, asking whether his Senate colleague felt it was "really appropriate" for the Minster for Home Affairs and Cybersecurity to use a Chinese made EV.
Highlighting Mr Burke had "immediately" taken steps to address potential threats, Senator Watt countered with the view that once the Home Affairs Minister had taken the appropriate precautions it appeared Australia's security agencies had "no other concerns".
"I'd rather hear that from them than from you," Senator Paterson responded.
Following the exchange, the Liberal Senator proceeded to grill several members of the Department of Home Affairs on whether other members of the Albanese government had also been making use of Chinese made EVs.
Given the fact Mr Burke had apparently only sought advice upon taking over the Home Affairs portfolio, Senator Paterson pushed to understand why the minister had been driving around in a "Chinese listening device" despite being a member of Cabinet.
Those lines of questioning were rejected by Senator Watt, who refused to engage in "speculation" about the potential security risks and argued Senator Paterson was essentially demonstrating he had no faith in the assessment provided by the Home Affairs Department and other agencies.
"Perhaps you don't share this view, Senator, but I have confidence in our security agencies and the advice that they provide to ministers,” Senator Watt said.
