Government has ‘effectively abolished’ home affairs department
Skynews – Australia 06 June 2022
Cyber Security Shadow Minister James Paterson says he is “very concerned” the government has “effectively abolished the Department of Home Affairs”.
“It is not the Department of Home Affairs as it was,” he told Sky News host Sharri Markson.
He said he fears the government’s decision to overhaul the department – including removing the Australian Federal Police (AFP) – will compromise the safety of Australians.
“The Home Affairs Department was a very innovative reform by the then Turnbull government.
“It has prevented mass casualty terrorist attacks. It has successfully tackled foreign interference and espionage. It has protected us in the cyber realm.
“And all of that is being dismantled and undermined.”