The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has urged communities across Australia to stay alert to foreign interference and report suspicious or unusual activity. The reminder follows the conviction and imprisonment of a second person for a foreign interference offence in an Australian court last month.
The AFP describes foreign interference as attempts by another country’s government, or people acting on its behalf, to harm Australia in pursuit of its own interests. This can include covert efforts to influence Australia’s political or social life, or threats against members of diaspora communities.
When specific communities are targeted, the activity is known internationally as transnational repression. It can involve threats, intimidation or pressure directed or funded by foreign governments to silence dissidents and undermine Australia’s multicultural way of life.
The AFP says foreign state actors are actively targeting people in Australia. Their activities may be deliberate and prolonged, and designed to look routine. People may be targeted because of their professional experience, access or networks.
Activity may amount to foreign interference if it is linked to a foreign government or its proxy and is intended to silence, coerce or intimidate people in Australia, or harm the country’s rights, freedoms or security. The AFP says this undermines social cohesion and democratic values.
The Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce includes the AFP and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. It is supported by AUSTRAC, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of Defence and the Office of National Intelligence.
Since 2018, the AFP has charged eight people with foreign interference offences, and two have been convicted. A 58-year-old Sydney businessman was sentenced at the NSW District Court on 10 September 2026. A Melbourne man, then aged 68, was sentenced at the County Court of Victoria in February 2024. Four cases remain before the courts, and one person has served a prison sentence.
The AFP’s Community Liaison Teams work with diaspora communities to explain possible signs of foreign interference, including coercion, intimidation, threats and attempts to influence community activities on behalf of a foreign state. They work with local organisations, faith groups and community leaders.
The AFP investigates credible reports and works to disrupt harmful activity by foreign governments. Information can be reported to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. Anyone facing an imminent threat to life should call Triple Zero (000).
