Politics podcast: John Blaxland on new foreign interference laws
- Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
The government’s new foreign interference laws propose broad changes to political donations, counter-surveillance, and lobbying in Australia.
ANU professor John Blaxland has some real concerns about the unintended consequences of the legislation for academic debate. He says there’s a real chance that good people engaging intellectually with issues might get caught up in the broader crackdown.
On the controversy surrounding Sam Dastyari’s dealings with a Chinese businessman, Blaxland says its been a “sobering” lesson for politicians but we needn’t be overly worried about this particular instance. “When we expect a conspiracy it’s usually just a stuff up.”
Authors: Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Read more http://theconversation.com/politics-podcast-john-blaxland-on-new-foreign-interference-laws-88774
Jessica Jorgenson
