Australian federal politicians and their staff received an extraordinary directive to power down their electronic devices as a high-level Chinese delegation toured Parliament House, sparking serious concerns about digital espionage threats.
Unprecedented Security Measures
The Department of Parliamentary Services issued an email alert on Monday morning warning building occupants that the visit by Zhao Leji, chair of China's National People's Congress, would cause disruptions throughout Parliament House. The advisory specifically covered areas including the House of Representatives wing, ministerial wing, and the prime minister's courtyard.
The email explicitly instructed staff working in these zones to completely power down internet-connected devices including phones, tablets and laptops. For essential devices, officials recommended installing the latest software updates and activating lockdown mode for phones and iPads, while laptops should have both wi-fi and bluetooth disabled.
Parliamentary staff were also advised to use alternative routes through the building and to close their doors and blinds for privacy during the delegation's movements. The DPS additionally warned of intermittent disruptions to wi-fi access throughout the parliamentary precinct.
Political Reaction and Security Concerns
Liberal Senator Claire Chandler, who serves as the shadow cybersecurity minister, described the security warnings as incredibly concerning. She emphasised that the measures went far beyond standard protocols for visiting delegations.
This is a stark reminder of the reality of the cyber threats we're facing, Chandler stated. It's fair to expect parliamentarians to be vigilant about cybersecurity, but the measures in place today go far beyond what's usually expected.
Chandler has personal experience with Chinese cyber threats, having been among several federal politicians targeted by Chinese hackers earlier this year. She referenced recent warnings from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation about Chinese-backed hackers targeting critical infrastructure.
Expert Analysis and Broader Context
Security experts supported the precautionary measures implemented during the Chinese delegation's visit. Dr Gatra Priyandita, senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, stated that given China's record of cyber-espionage, temporary device or wifi limitations are consistent with prudent protective-security measures.
The Australian Signals Directorate's 2024-25 threat report shows China-linked groups increasingly probing devices and networks as entry points into critical systems, Dr Priyandita explained, noting that the security warnings align with the current threat landscape.
The visit by Zhao Leji included engagements and dinner with Senate president Sue Lines and House of Representatives speaker Milton Dick. The Chinese official had earlier met with Governor General Sam Mostyn and was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his Australian visit.
The parliamentary email concluded with a confidentiality request, stating that the information was for parliamentarians, their staff and other building occupants only and should not be distributed further.
