Analysts Warn that Defence Secrecy May Result in Corruption Similar to CCP
Concerns have been raised by experts about the lack of transparency in the reporting of the Defence Department.
Australia’s Defence Department has been urged by defence analysts to enhance transparency in its reporting to avoid corruption similar to what has been observed in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
During a recent parliamentary inquiry hearing, Alex Bristow, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), expressed worries about the Department’s lack of transparency in its most recent annual report.
Malcolm Davis, another senior analyst at ASPI, remarked that Defence is no longer publishing vital reports that previously provided insights into spending, investment, and timelines.
Bristow also highlighted that Australia’s federal parliament has less access to confidential defence information compared to the U.S. Congress.
In response, Davis mentioned that adversaries likely already possess more information than the Australian public about the country’s defence activities and emphasized the importance of transparency in a democracy.
More Transparency Prevents CCP-Style Corruption
A member of the committee questioned whether increased transparency in Defence’s reporting would disadvantage Australia and pose a risk to the country. In reply, Davis stated that maintaining transparency is essential for a democracy like Australia.
Bristow mentioned that authoritarian states do not necessarily have an advantage over Australia due to their secretive practices and stressed the importance of transparency for the efficiency and fighting capability of the Australian Defence Force.
