Abstract

Article

Much nonsense has appeared in the sensationalist media and commentators concernig the suggestion that a Chinese company, :with connections to the government:, has  details of tens of thousands of Australians.  It is nont necessarily true, though it would be surprising if it were not.  What is relevant is whether it is significant, and whether there is any untoward intent behind it.

It woud be most disappointing if our spies did not have dossiers on all the people of influence in China.

An American company, too, possibly with significant connection with the US government, has very detailed information on many Australians.If one wishes to learn the detailed background of anyone of influence, all that is necessary is to summon the internet and start searching.  I suspect that you and I woould be noted, though in my case, I vry much doubt any interest by China. On the other hand, there is considerable information on the members of the Chinese government, including details of their families.

As for the reference to the judges, apart from the fact that all those mentioned are very accomplished and would be seriously respected, there is no pattern in the list.  Nor is it manifestly efficient.  All the High Court judges, and some retired ones are mentioned, save the Chief Justice.  If good sense suggests that those mentioned are in some way derelict, itwould be remarkable that, despite their brilliant careers and high repute for their integrity and fairness, they would ALL fall into that category.

One Queensland judge is mentioned, and that is the Chief Justice - not even the President of the Court of Appeal.

A puisne judge of each of the Tasmanian and Northern Territory Supreme Courts, and a District Court judge, are all on the list.  So,too, a retired Federal Court judge.  How these couldpossibly be of any pragmatic interest to China defies imagination.

Itmay be explicable in thatthey are or were all ofconsiderable public note and respect, which is probably of greater or less interest to any government that has any commercial dealings in this country.