Security Protection Diplomatic Liaison

The AFP’s role is to enforce Commonwealth criminal law, contribute to combating complex, transnational, serious and organised crime impacting Australia’s national security and to protect Commonwealth interests from criminal activity in Australia and internationally. Additionally, the AFP provides policing services to the Australian Capital Territory and Australia’s territories, including Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay.

The AFP collaborates closely with other law enforcement and government agencies at state, territory, Commonwealth and international levels to enhance safety and ensure a secure regional and global environment Under section 8 of the Australian Federal Police Act (1979) and Ministerial Direction, the AFP is responsible for providing protective services.

This includes the provision of scalable protective security overlays to federal parliamentarians based on an individual’s position, in conjunction with individual threat, risk and vulnerability assessments. Protection overlays may include providing event based protective security treatments through to full Protective Security Packages based on identified risks. Additionally, the AFP offers full-time protection to select non-Australian high office holders, recognising their role, function, and status as internationally protected persons.

The AFP maintains a zero-tolerance approach to threats and continues to enhance its capabilities to ensure the safety and dignity of Australia’s elected representatives is achieved with professionalism and empathy. Ongoing cooperation and proactive reporting from parliamentarians remain crucial to mitigating potential risks posed towards them, their places of work and staff.

SPDL teams consist of experienced AFP officers located across Australia, including a team at Australian Parliament House (APH). 

SPDL provide a discreet police point of contact 24/7 for parliamentarians and the diplomatic community. 

SPDL is not an emergency contact, for any urgent security concerns requiring immediate police response call 000. 

SPDL facilitates an initial inquiry process to determine the most appropriate operational response or course of action to resolve allegations of criminal conduct. If potential offences are identified and there is sufficient evidence for further investigation, the matter is referred to the relevant investigative area.

SPDL can provide advice and assistance on security risks, threats or incidents involving the Australian high office holders, federal parliamentarians and international protected persons within the diplomatic community. This includes:

Reporting of:

• Harassing, offensive or menacing correspondence
• Suspicious mail or emails
• Threatening mail or emails
• Threatening or harassing phone calls
• Disturbed and/or fixated individuals
• Protest activity
• General security advice, including cyber
• General policing information.
   

SPDL can be contacted on the relevant state or territory contact numbers at the rear of this brochure.

The Protective Security Coordination Centre (PSCC) enables Australian high office holders* (AHOHs) and federal parliamentarians to discharge their official duties without fear of violence, harm or coercion, through working with all relevant Commonwealth agencies to ensure that protective security arrangements for AHOHs and federal parliamentarians are coordinated and responsive to a continuously evolving threat environment.

The PSCC also provides residential security assessments and infrastructure to Australian high office holders* and individual parliamentarians assessed by security agencies to be at risk, or of security concern.

Australian high office holders are defined as the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, Government ministers, the Presiding Officers, and the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

DoF provides all parliamentarians with Electorate Offices (EOs) and Ministerial Offices (where applicable) and is responsible for Commonwealth Parliament Offices (CPOs) located in the capital city of each state and the Northern Territory. 

DoF is primarily responsible for the provision and implementation of physical security measures, including recommendations made by Home Affairs, for EOs, CPOs and AHOH residences.

COMCAR, the Commonwealth car with- driver service, is part DoF and provides secure and confidential transportation to eligible Australian Government clients, including the Governor-General, Prime Minister, parliamentarians, and visiting dignitaries according to DoF. All parliamentarians are entitled to utilise COMCAR services when undertaking Parliamentary business in line with the Parliamentary Business Resources (PBR) Act 2017.

The DPS works jointly with the AFP to ensure APH remains a safe and accessible building for parliamentarians, staff and visitors. Additionally, the DPS provide information technology infrastructure and cyber security arrangements to all parliamentarians, including to their EOs and deliver specific cyber security briefings for parliamentarians travelling with DPS issued devices.

ASIO is the nation’s security service. ASIO protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. ASIO operates lawfully, in proportion to the threats that are being investigated, and in line with the standards and expectations of the Australian community.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (ASIO Act) defines security for the purposes of ASIO’s work – and in doing so carefully limits the scope of ASIO activities. 

These are commonly referred to as the ‘heads of security’ and include the protection of Australia and its people from:

• Acts of foreign interference
• Attacks on Australia’s defence system
• Espionage
• Politically motivated violence including terrorism
• Promotion of communal violence
• Sabotage
• Serious threats to Australia’s border integrity.

ASIO provides advice on current and emerging security threats, and the design and application of security policy.

• Respond to incidents occurring in their jurisdiction.
• Provide operational support at official events on a case-by-case basis.
• Investigates security incident within their jurisdiction and provides reporting to security agencies for assessment.

While the Government and its agencies, including the AFP are committed to providing strong institutional support, the safety of parliamentarians is a shared responsibility. There are steps that parliamentarians can take to proactively enhance their own security posture and eliminate or reduce risks where possible.

By taking ownership of improving security settings, parliamentarians can help safeguard themselves, their staff and the integrity of the political system.
 

The AEC ensures that every eligible voter can participate in a fair and independent electoral system. They do this by actively managing the electoral roll, efficiently delivering polling services, and running targeted education and public awareness programs. The AEC also regularly collaborates with parliamentary committees to review and improve various aspects of the electoral process, including the conduct of federal elections.

The AEC chairs the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT), which published a Candidate’s Guide to the Changing Electoral Environment, available on the AEC website.
 

Trust and act on your instincts.

If you feel a sense of threat or danger, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

People aren’t suspicious, behaviours are

• Unusual or concealed items, including cameras
• Persons taking an unusual interest in security settings of the venue or event
• Odd, nervous, unsettling, aggressive or erratic behaviour
• Unattended items.

Body language and security experts emphasise the importance of understanding and decoding body language, including motion ‘clusters’ of red flag behaviours. This is where an individual or group may exhibit several concerning behaviours, indicating the risk of escalation or an incident may be higher.

Behaviours which may indicate potential danger

• Blocking movement
• Posture poised to strike or lunge
• Positioning themselves in a threatening or defensive manner
• Personal space violations
• Unauthorised attempts to enter a restricted area
• Attempts to avoid security personnel
• Abandoning objects or packages
• Threats or overly aggressive behaviour
• Darting eyes, clenched jaw
• Heavy breathing, reddened complexion
• Quick, unexpected shift to silence or disengagement
• Enlarged posture
• Hidden, raised, shaking or flailing hands
• Erratic, incongruous, or incoherent speech

Any concerning comments received by you or your staff that indicate or imply a threat – directed at you, others or involving self-harm, must be reported to the AFP National

Operations State Service Centre (NOSSC) on(02) 5127 0001 as soon as possible. This will ensure the person’s welfare can be checked.

Call 000 in an emergency and activate a duress alarm, if one is accessible to you.

Parliamentarians may experience unwanted fixated behaviour from individuals due to the public nature of their work.

Fixated behaviours can escalate to repeated and unwanted intrusive behaviour. It can include correspondence in all its forms, including emails, letters, and gifts but also refers to in-person approaches.

Reportable behaviours

• Excessive phone calls or text messages
• Repeated unwanted contact in any form
• Messages left on social media sites
• Unexplained or suspected access to your social media accounts
• Notes left on your car
• Strange or unwanted gifts sent to your office or home
• An awareness that you are being followed
• Repeatedly observing the same person in your proximity
• Being continually stared at or gestured to by the same person  
• Someone being aware of your conversations, activities or movements for no legitimate reason.

If suspected, maintain records of concerning behaviours and report all matters to SPDL. Even behaviours that do not meet the threshold for criminal charges, should be reported to SPDL, this enables monitoring of any patterns and trends that may escalate over time, and impact your safety.

If you believe you are in immediate danger or being actively targeted by stalking or hostile behaviour, contact the police immediately by calling 000. State you are a high-risk individual and why. Provide them with all the information you have gathered and follow their instructions.

De-escalation involves using communication or other techniques to stabilise, slow down, or reduce the intensity of a potentially violent situation.

Your goal is not to stop the person from being angry, but to help them feel calmer and de-escalate the confrontation to stay safe.

Key points to remember

• Stay calm when you notice signs of anger or verbal aggression
• Understand that anger may indicate the person is in distress, experiencing fear, or frustration
• It is not possible to reason or solve problems with someone who is enraged
• Effective communication skills are essential for settling and de-escalating a situation
• Maintain a safe distance. This means keeping enough space between yourself and others to react quickly if needed.

Body language tips

• Maintain a safe distance and remain as calm as possible
• Use appropriate eye contact and acknowledgment to demonstrate you are listening
• Open gestures and neutral body language may help de-escalate the situation.

Verbal communication tips

• Use assertive, empathetic, and honest communication to show respect and help calm conflicts
• Remain calm if confronted and appear confident, not authoritarian or arrogant
• Listen and respond empathetically and know when to remove yourself for safety.

Practice de-escalation communication techniques with colleagues before an event.

Body language

• Instead of trying to smile to defuse anger, maintain a neutral and attentive facial expression
• Instead of standing rigid in front, stand off to the side of the person with a relaxed and alert stance
• Instead of concealing or crossing your arms, keep your hands down, open, and visible.

Verbal language

• Instead of saying “Calm Down,” try saying “I can see you’re upset...”
• Instead of saying “I can’t help you,” try saying “I want to help, what can I do…?”
• Instead of saying “I know how you feel,” try saying “I understand that you feel...”.

Additional techniques

• Slow down. The primary goal of de-escalation is to stabilise, slow, and reduce the intensity of the situation, not to achieve a quick resolution
• Appear kind and respectful. Keep a low decibel, even, kind, and respectful tone. Never escalate tone or body language
• Ask questions. Keep the focus on simple, open-ended questions for as long as possible to slow the interaction
• Don’t debate. You may disagree, but don’t get into a dispute. Instead, listen and ask questions
• Respect your limits. De-escalation is hard. If the interaction is too challenging and you feel you cannot be calm or effective, call in help from a supervisor or team member. If it escalates further, consider options to remove yourself for safety and call the police
• Reporting. We encourage you to report any situation in which de-escalation is required. Even though such incidents may not constitute an offence, it’s important for police awareness and monitoring of the security environment.

Harassing, offensive or nuisance mail.

Harassing, offensive or nuisance mail includes any correspondence containing threats and originating from individuals obsessed with religious, political or any other issue that may be of interest to police.

Correspondence may include:

• Direct or implicit threats
• Offensive material
• Comments of concern including threats of self-harm and suicide.

This needs to be reported to the AFP NOSSC as soon as possible to ensure the welfare of the person involved can be checked.

Contact NOSSC on(02) 5127 0001.

What to do

If you continue to receive this type of correspondence from an identifiable sender:

• Consider notifying the sender to cease corresponding with your office. This will make it clear to the sender their correspondence is uninvited
• In the case of email correspondence, you can also establish a rule in your email to redirect any correspondence from the sender to a spam folder
• Save the correspondence to a separate folder and refer to SPDL with the original email or scanned original paper correspondence as an attached file
• Do not handle the threatening mail (if possible), this will allow for improved scientific/fingerprint examination. Mail items are retained by police and may be required for evidentiary purposes.

Please note: all mail sent to Australian Parliament House is security screened.

Suspicious mail and packages

To identify suspicious mail items or packages, look for inconsistencies such as:

• Strange or distorted handwriting
• Common words spelt incorrectly
• Excessive tape or packaging
• Excessive post markings
• Stains, discolouration, or strange odours
• Inconsistent or usual shaped mail items
• Excessive weight
• Unusual or foreign origins.

What to do if you identify a suspicious package

• Limit contact and isolate the item
• Try to remove staff from the vicinity of the item
• Notify local police and SPDL as soon as possible.

Further advice on suspicious mail and packages can be provided by SPDL.

Threatening or harassing telephone calls.

It is important all staff are briefed on the standardised response for your office to ensure consistency when responding to threatening or harassing telephone calls.

What to do in responding to threatening or harassing calls

• Remain calm and display a calm demeanour
• Demonstrate respect and impartiality
• Remain professional at all times.

Take note of

• The date and time the call is received– characteristics of the caller’s voice (such as a deep voice, or speech impediment)
• If the caller sounds affected by alcohol or drugs
• If the caller is using offensive or threatening language
• The telephone number (if displayed on receiver).

Provide the details of the call to SPDL.

As a victim of a crime, or a witness to a crime, you may be required to give evidence.

The right to peaceful protest is a core component of Australian democracy. Protests provide a space for communities to raise their voice and be heard.

Australia has many public places where people can exercise their rights to communicate their opinions and ideas through peaceful protests and demonstrations. The protection of public safety, the maintenance of peace and the facilitation of fair and equal access is a role taken very seriously.

Maintain situational awareness

Passions can run high at protests, and it is important to remain situationally aware of signs of escalations that may interfere with a peaceful protest.

Lawful protest

• Organised demonstrations may have police escorts
• Some states require registration and permits
• Peaceful, do not harm, non-violent
• May result in short-term disruption.

Unlawful protest

• Breaking laws
• Destruction of property
• Harm to others, encourage violence
• Threats to life or property
• Rioting and trespassing
• Obstructing public rights.

Unexpected protest activity

Stay safe and avoid danger, your safety is your priority.

• Avoid the area around the escalating protests
• Avoid confrontation with protesters; do not engage
• If you’re safe where you are, stay put. Many protests are short.
• You may be able to wait until the protesters leave
• If it’s not safe where you are, get to safety. If possible, go back to your office, accommodation, a
• police station or other safe place away from the unrest
• Immediate danger, or threat to life
• If you need urgent help, call 000.
• Protests at electorate offices
• If you are aware a protest is scheduled, consider changing opening hours or working arrangements at that time
• If protesters are peaceful and only temporarily blocking as they pass by, stay secure in your office and do not engage
• If the protesters impede functioning of the EO, call the local police and request advice
• Do not attempt to open a locked office and retrieve signage or other items – these can be replaced if they are removed or destroyed
• If protesters are violent (damaging property or threatening harm), call 000 and activate the duress alarm
• If staff or visitors are expected at the EO while a protest is underway, consider rescheduling to manage access and egress risks.
• If it’s a march, find out the route and where it’s going. Avoid it
• Follow instructions from local authorities
• Do what you’re told by the local first responders, including police and paramedics
• Get help if you’re hurt
• Check in with your supervisor and colleagues. Tell colleagues, family and friends you’re okay.

Stay updated

• Make sure it is safe to leave your location
• Watch the news and check social media for developments
• Find out what your options are. For example, if roads are closed, the trains may still run
• Try to organise your transport in advance. You may get stuck in a transport hub trying to get out with everyone else.

Immediate danger, or threat to life

• If you need urgent help, call000.

Protests at electorate offices

• If you are aware a protest is scheduled, consider changing opening hours or working arrangements at that time
• If protesters are peaceful and only temporarily blocking as they pass by, stay secure in your office and do not engage
• If the protesters impede functioning of the EO, call the local police and request advice
• Do not attempt to open a locked office and retrieve signage or other items – these can be replaced if they are removed or destroyed
• If protesters are violent (damaging property or threatening harm), call 000 and activate the duress alarm
• If staff or visitors are expected at the EO while a protest is underway, consider rescheduling to manage access and egress risks.
   

Protests at Australian Parliament House

• We recognise that parliamentarians have policy interests that may lead to interest in engaging protesters. Contact SPDL for security advice as needed
• Do not engage protesters if there are any behaviours observed that indicate concerning or unlawful activity
• When leaving the building remove forms of identification, such as your access pass
• The Authorised Assembly Area (AAA) is the only area within the Parliamentary Precincts where protests are to be held. If protest activity is identified elsewhere within the Parliamentary Precinct, please report to(02) 6277 5999
• Ensure your office staff are aware of the emergency tones and participate in lockdown or emergency exercises as notified by DPS
• If protesters threaten harm, impede access to entry and egress points or attempt to gain authorised access immediately call(02) 6277 7117 to report.

Keeping safe checklist

• Do not engage with protesters, especially constituents or staff entering or leaving the facility
• Educate all staff as to what you expect of them during the protest, remain calm and keep safe at a distance
• If protesters are blocking entry or exits at your location, notify local police, and do not engage directly with protesters
• If protesters are acting in a threatening way to yourself or members of public, call000 and activate the duress alarm
• Closely monitor who gains access to your building
• Ensure you are regularly testing duress and lock-down functions in offices, and new staff are trained

How to use these functions

• Follow the advice of local emergency services
• Ensure all staff members are safe and accounted for and follow your emergency procedures and incident reporting, post the event.

Event organiser- official events

All official events, no matter the nature or size, will have risks.

Event organisers can effectively manage risks by anticipating, understanding and making decisions on how to manage and control risks.

All risks, including possible protest activity, should be carefully considered and form part of risk management plans.

Reputational risks are an important consideration, in addition to operational and public safety risks.

Event organisers may wish to consider if publicising or making an event publicly known in advance is necessary, as this may enable protest groups to plan action ahead of time.

Staff members - official events

When attending an event in an official capacity and you have any concerns relating to your safety, raise your concerns with your parliamentarian so it can be assessed as part of the risk management plan for the event.

Staff members are encouraged to discuss an action plan with their parliamentarian prior to each event, so respective roles and responsibilities are clear in the event a protest occurs.

For further advice contact Ministerial and Parliamentary Service (MaPS)

HR Advice and Support
Phone: 02 6215 3333
Email: hr@pwss.gov.au

Workplace health and safety
Phone: 1800 747 977
Email: whs@pwss.gov.au

Ministerial staff

• Parliamentarians have a unique role in Australia, serving the Government, the Parliament and the Australian people. Ensure the rally or protest you are attending is lawful
• Contact SPDL about your intentions to attend an event as a speaker, who can discuss risk mitigation options for your safety.

SPDL liaises between uniformed police and protest groups to ensure protests are conducted peacefully
and lawfully.

SPDL maintains a strong interest in national and international events, and the political environment, seeking to identify issues that may impact locally.

Should planned protest activity be directed at parliamentarians or locations relevant to you, SPDL will engage with local police to discuss security measures.

Planning events

Contact SPDL for security advice prior to the event as part of your risk management plan. Depending on the risks identified, SPDL may liaise with AFP’s Protection Assessment Teams and state and territory police as part of the risk management plan.

Information to supply SPDL

• Location, and venue
• Date and times
• Expected size of event
• People attending, VIPS, guest lists, is the event open or ticketed
• What the event is about, purpose of event
• How is the event being advertised
• Current EO concerns – persons of interest or groups
• Point of contact for the event/electoral office.

Assessing risk can be done in conjunction with SPDL.

ASIO advises the national terrorism threat level is PROBABLE, indicating there is a greater than fifty percent chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next twelve months.

Australia’s security landscape has entered a vulnerable period and is being challenged by new threats with concerning trajectories. ASIO is observing the emergence of domestic actors increasingly driven to action by socio-political issues, intersecting with personal grievances. There is an increase in extremism, fuelled by conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies.

Some actors hold a blend of ideologies, including those that justify acts of violence to influence change. Terrorism and violent extremism around the world also endure, with Islamic State and its affiliates having demonstrated their capability to conduct large scale external operations.

Social media is a key driver of volatility, acting as a gateway and platform for violent ideologies and global influences to promulgate at volume and scale. The continued adoption and proliferation of social media will amplify and enable extremist narratives to find new adherents, with younger people particularly at risk.

It is essential for the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline by calling1800 123 400. Life threatening and emergency situations should always be reported to the police immediately by calling 000.

By staying informed and taking an active role in preventing terrorism, we can work together to keep our communities safe.

ASIO advice to parliamentarians regarding threats of espionage and foreign interference.

Espionage refers to attempts to clandestinely obtain classified, sensitive or otherwise non-public information, materials or capability by a foreign state which is detrimental to the national interests of Australia.

Foreign interference happens when foreign powers try to achieve their aims by carrying out covert, deceptive or threatening activities that undermine Australia’s interests. Through these activities, foreign powers try to interfere in Australia’s decision-making, influence public perceptions, harass or deny diaspora communities’ access to their political rights and cultivate people through friendships or associations.

Foreign influence is done in the open. Nations around the world, including Australia, try to influence decisions or activities in an open and transparent way. Representatives of other countries may openly approach or lobby you to promote their communities, causes or interests. They may openly meet with members of diaspora communities and attend cultural events. They may even publicly praise a foreign government and transparently lobby on behalf of a foreign government.

The bottom line is—foreign influence is open; foreign interference is covert. Foreign influence is okay; foreign interference is not.

Parliamentarians and their staff, should be alert and vigilant to approaches that seek access to classified, privileged or otherwise sensitive information, particularly in exchange for incentives.

Proactive security measures assist in making an environment less permissive to hostile foreign powers. 
A multi-layered approach to protective security will assist in the mitigation of such threats.

To minimise exposure to foreign security related threats ASIO and the AFP recommend that you take the following steps

1. Be aware of the threat
2. Keep your activities transparent
3. Harden your environment
4. Communicate securely
5. If you suspect that someone is trying to obtain privileged access or information from you, or trying to shape your decision-making, stop—or distance yourself from—the relationship, and report the interaction to ASIO.

See ASIO‘s ‘Security advice for parliamentary staff’ booklet for further details.

Report suspected espionage or foreign interference, including foreign contact that meets the ‘SOUP’ criteria (suspicious, ongoing, unusual or persistent), to the DPS security team, or your portfolio department Chief Security Officer or Agency Security Adviser.

If you require further information on espionage or foreign interference, please email the ASIO outreach mailbox.

You can also submit a report via ASIO’s Notifiable Incidents, Threats or Reportable Observations (NITRO) portal.

To report signs of terrorism or foreign interference, please contact the National Security
Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Life threatening and emergency situations should always be reported to the police immediately by calling000.

Parliamentarians, staff and family members should always be security conscious.

It is particularly important to be vigilant when considering your security

• At home and in your car
• When undertaking general daily activities
• When using social media and other internet-based technologies.

Contact SPDL for discreet advice in relation to any concerns or matters of a sensitive nature.

Activity risk assessment

The AFP is notified of and assess reports of harassing, nuisance, offensive and threatening behaviours directed at federal parliamentarians and their places of work. These assessments inform appropriate protective security measures to reduce or mitigate risks to safety, security and dignity during official parliamentarian movements and events.

The AFP works closely with diary managers and EOs in relation to the movements and events of parliamentarians, where security concerns or potential risk factors have been identified. Providing the AFP with diary information relating to official activities of concern, enables ‘real-time’ assessment of risk factors, which may impact the parliamentarian’s safety and security.

On a case-by-case basis, where security risks are identified, protective measures may be offered and may include uniformed police presence, technical solutions, plain clothes investigators, liaison officers, protection teams, or other specialist capabilities.

Security considerations or risk factors for official events and activities

The below questions may help inform risk factors associated with your official events and activities:

• Have you recently been subject to adverse threat activity?
• Could local or global issues adversely affect this event?
• Could the nature of the event or activity be considered controversial by some community elements?
• Is the event/movement or activity widely known in advance?
• Is the event/movement or activity advertised?
• Is the event/movement or activity publicly accessible?
• Does the movement or activity result in the parliamentarian being static for extended periods of time?
• Is the event/movement or activity occurring in a crowded place? (stadiums/general seating etc)
• Are there concerns or gaps in the known security arrangements at the venue?
• Are there any general or specific concerns regarding the movement or event?

Information requirements

We appreciate due to the dynamic nature of parliamentarians’ schedules, providing current information can be challenging. However, to enable the AFP to assess activities of concern, the following information must be provided:

• Name/occasion or nature of event
•  Location/exact address of event
• Date and start time
• Date and end time
• Details relating to anticipated security controls at the venue, known vulnerabilities (personal or event based)
• Any other context related to the event
• Names/details of any other parliamentarians or VIPs attending.

Diary information must be sent to SPC-Protection-Assessment- Team@afp.gov.au and your relevant SPDL team for assessment.

More information on this process can be obtained by contacting your local SPDL team.

“Pattern of life” refers to the observable and often predictable routines, and behaviours that individuals or groups engage in over time, particularly in relation to their daily activities, social interactions, and movements. 

These patterns can reveal insights into how people organise their lives, including where they go, when they go, and who they interact with. It can include your everyday activities, restaurants you frequent, schools your children attend and your routes to these places.

In isolation this information appears harmless, but when combined and with other gathered data, it can reveal patterns that provide insights into your life and behaviours that may be used by threat actors.

There are several ways in which pattern of life data can become available within the public domain, these may include:

• Social media use
• Media reporting
• Public records
• Information leaks and data breaches
• Freedom of Information (FOI) processes.

By studying your routines, threat actors can predict your future actions or movements and use this information to intercept, disrupt, or interfere with you or your activities. Over time, identifying this information can also give potential threat actors an advantage by revealing consistent weaknesses or environments that could be exploited for planning threats.

Pattern of life examples can include

• Daily routines – locations you frequent i.e. local coffee shop, commonly used meeting places, exercise and travel routes, schools or sports clubs, or restaurant bookings
• Work patterns – who you meet with, where meetings take place, how often you attend a specific workplace
• Social interactions and relationship patterns – who you live with, socialise with, locations you frequent in an unofficial capacity i.e. local shops, clubs or groups you follow
• Travel patterns – where you go, how often, regularly used travel routes, modes of transport.

There can be a considerable public and media interest in the daily lives of high office holders and elected officials.

In some cases, the release of this information may form part of a legislative requirement, occur unintentionally, or is simply unavoidable. For this reason, it’s important to consider the cumulative value of additional pattern of life data available in the public domain.

Where pattern of life data is released, consider why and how you share other information which may be sensitive, and perhaps consider if there are alternative ways to balance transparency with your personal security.

In the event specific pattern of life data is released or leaked, which poses an identified vulnerability to federal parliamentarians, reporting to the AFP is vital. This will enable the AFP to assess potential risk factors and provide mitigation strategies or advice where required.

Parliamentarians should consider assessing how predictable their personal routines are.

• Use social media safely – refer to social media security section for tips!
• Remove geotagging or other metadata from publicly accessible photographs and posts
• Disable non-essential tracking and data sharing on your smart devices - smart watches, phones and other devices often have apps designed to track and share data
• Parliamentarians can enrol as a silent elector with the Australian Electoral Commission by applying online,  or call 13 23 26
• Redirecting mail to a PO Box
• Using a partner’s name or contact details for social and non-work-related correspondence
• Avoid establishing patterns of movement and behaviour
• Vary routes to frequent destinations
• Do not make reservations unless it is essential.

This may include what information is publicly accessible which may aid in threat action by threat actors.

• Do you have a regular route to the office and home?
• Do you regularly go to the same cafe, or restaurant, on the same day of week or time?
• Who has access to your calendar of events and schedules?
• Where are your diaries kept?
• Have you posted online where you are located, or plan to be?

Be aware of your surroundings at mobile offices and pop-up events by being situationally aware.

Situational awareness is the ability to understand what is happening around you at any given moment.

This understanding helps you make decisions and assess potential risks to your safety and the safety of others.

Situational awareness consists of three levels

1. Perception: This involves noticing information from your surroundings, such as the behaviour of people, other vehicles, the terrain, and objects around you
2. Comprehension: This is about processing the information to understand its relevance. It involves identifying what seems out of place or stands out and determining what actions you should take
3. Prediction: This level requires practice and involves combining perception and comprehension to foresee likely outcomes. It is the ability to predict whether a situation poses a threat or not.

• Your house number should be clearly visible from the street, in case of an emergency.
• Don’t have your surname on your letterbox and ensure it is fitted with a lock to secure its contents.
• Consider using a PO Box for mail and parcel delivery.
• Avoid having items left at your home when unattended.
• Keep your doors locked at all times.
• Do not have your home address saved into your vehicle’s GPS as a ‘home’ function.
• When approaching your home ensure your keys are readily accessible to avoid a delay at the front door.
• Plan at least 2 escape routes so you can leave your home quickly in an emergency.
• Communicate emergency action plans with family members where appropriate.
• Always check the credentials of unexpected and/or unverified visitors including charity workers, trades and salespeople – particularly when they are unexpected. Talk to these visitors through a locked door or video intercom system.
• Keep a record of trades persons or others who have had access to your home.
• If a stranger approaches your door asking to use your phone, direct them to the nearest public phone or keep the security screen closed and make the call for them. Contact police if their behaviour appears abnormal or threatening.

• Consider installing a CCTV and visitor-monitor system with key coverage of entry points and the path to your vehicle. CCTV systems should have a battery backup capability and provide you with a discreet method of screening visitors away from the entry door. Many commercially available CCTV systems offer recording functionality and provide real-time unusual movement notifications and mobile monitoring.
• Consider installing security screens over any windowpanes adjacent to doors that would allow an intruder to break the glass, reach around and unlock door.
• Ensure your electrical switchboard has a lock and is approved by utility provider.
• Key lock windows at all times and leave timber dowels in sliding window tracks.
• Consider denoting a specific room as a safe space for you and your family and consider replacing door and door frame with solid core door/hardened frame with deadbolt. When selecting a room be mindful of windows that are accessible from the outside, and how emergency services can gain access to the space if required.
• Consider installing a security alarm system including duress points and contact reed switches on entry points. The alarm system should feature a perimeter arming mode where reed switches on perimeter doors
• and windows can be armed when residents are at home and not expecting company (typically after-hours or when asleep).
• Entry doors should ideally be of solid core timber construction hardened door frames with a deadbolt.
• Fit a pad bolt to the manhole or other access point into a ceiling cavity.
• Consider installing security screens over perimeter doors / accessible windows as a more cost-effective method than replacing perimeter doors.
• Use spot and flood lighting activated by a passive infrared sensor covering key approaches to the property and entry points.

Keys

• Never leave spare keys outside your home, these are often easily found in predictable locations.
• If you lose your keys or move into a new home, make sure you change the locks or have a locksmith ‘re-key them.
• If someone contacts you saying they have found your keys ask them to drop them off at the nearest police station.
• Don’t have personal details such as your name, address and telephone number on your keys.
• Maintain positive control of all keys to your home.

Yards

• Trim shrubbery to avoid providing a potential threat with places to hide and to increase natural surveillance of the front of your home.
• Consider landscaping and the location of bins and other moveable items, which could be used to gain access to second storey windows, roofs or balconies.
• Make sure you keep all gates locked. The rear and sides of homes are often targeted by thieves.
• Always lock tools, ladders and garden equipment away so these items cannot be used to gain entry to your home.

When on official travel, it is vital for parliamentarians to be aware of their personal security and potential threats.

To avoid being an easy target, identify your vulnerabilities and take action to mitigate them. Criminals can use advanced technologies to target electronic items through various online methods. As a parliamentarian on official business, you may be covertly targeted without realising that your electronic items have been illegally accessed.

Pre travel arrangements

Before undertaking government travel, familiarise yourself with the risk management section of the government travel policy. Research your destination and be aware of any safety and security risks that might exist during your trip. These risks apply to both domestic and overseas travel.

The use of DPS managed electronic devices while travelling overseas, presents a real and ongoing cyber
risk to the parliamentary computing network. Compromised electronic devices could potentially impact
the operation and security of parliamentary business.

If you are traveling overseas, you must complete the Overseas Travel Notification Form provided by DPS before you leave.

Please note that controls are in place to protect parliament computing network systems. If you travel overseas without notifying DPS, this may affect the functionality of your device while you travel.

Domestic travel: parliamentarians are encouraged to be aware of any national public security threats, severe weather warnings, planned public demonstrations, areas of potential crime hotspots and other events and circumstances that might affect their trip, and be prepared to change their travel plans accordingly.

International travel: can carry a heightened security risk, and as a result, threats to personal safety and security can vary and evolve rapidly.

It is recommended you research your destination, noting any travel warnings, and register travel via The Department of Foreign Affairs Smartraveller website

Where required, advice should be sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for official travel.

When undertaking official travel, you could be a target for espionage and foreign interference activity.

Foreign powers may target parliamentarians to gather intelligence or may target travellers opportunistically. It is important to report any suspicious, ongoing, unusual or persistent approaches to ensure the AFP and ASIO has a clear picture of potential espionage activity that may harm Australian interests.

Please remember the information you provide (no matter how small) may be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Foreign intelligence services will use a range of methods to gain access to information, before, during and after travel including by

• Exploiting travel data and official documents, including visa, passport or manifest information
• Exploiting open-source information including social media
• Eliciting information
• Co-opting local services that travellers rely on
• Eavesdropping or covertly observing or recording conversations
• Conducting physical, audio or video surveillance, even in private areas
• Exploiting personal vulnerabilities or compromising situations, including blackmail
• Searching belongings or baggage when unattended, including in transit or at hotels
• Conducting covert influence operations
• Stealing unattended papers or devices
• Conducting technical operations or intercepting personal electronic devices, including charging points
• Compromising internet connections, including hotel wi-fi
• Attempting further contacts on return, including sending unsolicited emails with malicious content
• Giving gifts—either embedded with malicious content, or legitimate gifts or inducements intended to encourage reciprocity or ongoing contact.

Before you go

• Familiarise yourself with the risk management section of the government travel policy.
• Familiarise yourself with the Government’s Protective Data Security Standards.
• Understand the basics of the political and security situation.
• Familiarise yourself with the destination, including:
  • any dangerous areas of a city
  • types of crimes
  • risky modes of transport
  • specific precautions for travellers
  • any behaviour that may offend or break the law.
• Research the health situation and services available for your destination.

While you’re away

• Exercise extreme caution.
• Follow the advice of your personal protection service.
• Don’t disclose the location of your accommodation, hotel or room numbers to unknown persons.
• Regularly vary your routine and the routes you take to get a coffee or lunch.
• Be observant and aware of people who appear suspicious and/or try to distract you. If possible, keep a safe distance and call for assistance if necessary.
• Do not discuss your work in a public place.
• Be aware of religious holidays or days of national significance.
• Plan your daily movements and vary your routines and travel routes.
• Avoid known flashpoints, including protest areas.
• Don’t wander into unknown areas.
• Avoid or minimise your time at places that terrorists may target.
• Leave an area at the first sign of unrest or if you feel uneasy.
• Be aware of building exits and always know the safe places you can access if you feel threatened.
• Take notice of the people around you and their behaviour.
• Be aware that you may misinterpret some behaviour in an unfamiliar cultural setting.
• When discussing your plans, avoid sharing details that others may overhear.
• Be cautious about the information you share on social media.
• Refuse unexpected packages or offers.
• Monitor the health risks in your location.

• Avoid travelling with classified or sensitive materials unless necessary and, where unavoidable, store materials only in appropriate storage facilities with appropriate access controls.
• Understand that no hotel room is secure—including hotel safes— even if a technical inspection is carried out.
• Maintain positive control of your electronic devices and assets –do not leave them unattended in spaces where others could access them.
• Only have sensitive or classified conversations in secure rooms, or via secure communication channels.
• Understand that conversations in aircraft, vehicles of all types, hotel rooms, lifts, conference rooms, restaurants and outdoor areas—including hotel balconies— may be recorded or overheard.
• Do not pack sensitive or classified documents and electronic devices in checked luggage.
• Understand that internet connections of any kind— including mobile data services, as well as wifi at hotels, cafes and airports—are not secure.
• Avoid using charging devices from USB sockets provided in hotels, airports, vehicles or conference venues.
• Be conscious of suspicious or out of the ordinary approaches by unknown persons - in identifying potential sources, foreign intelligence services may orchestrate an approach at a common location e.g. hotel or airport and ask carefully crafted questions to get a sense of whether an individual will be of value to them or has vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
• Be alert to questioning—even by seemingly benign individuals such as guides, drivers or hotel staff.
• Be alert to contact that may occur after the travel/deployment has concluded and do not provide any personal contact details to anyone you may have met whilst travelling deployed.

• Check the driveway before leaving the home (ideally by CCTV, if available)
• Always have your keys or remote ready when approaching your vehicle and lock the car as soon as you enter
• Only unlock your vehicle when close to it
• Turn off the internal light so you are not illuminated when getting in and out of your car at night
• Do not respond to aggression from other drivers
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a police station or a populated area. Do not drive home
• Always exercise situational awareness, noticing the vehicles around you
• Be cautious and vigilant when stopped at traffic lights or in a traffic jam
• Ensure you always have enough fuel to reach your destination
• At night, park in well-lit and populated streets and avoid dimly lit side streets
• Change your route to and from work as much as possible
• Ensure your vehicle is not tailgated when entering car parks or other access-controlled areas. If you suspect this has occurred, report the incident as soon as possible.

Walking to events

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using headphones or speaking on your phone
• Consider removing or covering campaign identifiers or clothing when walking alone
• If strangers approach you, trust your instincts and remove yourself if you feel unsafe
• Carry a charged mobile phone
• Avoid areas where you don’t feel safe, such as shortcuts through parks, vacant land, or dark areas
• Walk in the opposite direction to traffic
• Use busy, well-lit streets whenever possible.

Working early or leaving late

If you arrive or leave work in darkness or feel unsafe:

• Walk with a group or ask a colleague or security guard to walk you to your car
• Arrange a lift with a family member, friend, or colleague, or join a carpool
• Park in a populated, well-lit area close to your workplace
• Stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through dark or isolated areas
• Inform someone if you are working late and let them know when you expect to be home
• Check the live feed from security cameras at your office exit before leaving to ensure the area is clear.

Parking general advice

• Park in well-lit areas as close as possible to your destination
• Lock your car whenever you leave it and remove or hide any valuables
• Check your vehicle is secure and be wary of people loitering nearby
• Avoid remaining seated in your parked vehicle on your mobile phone for extended periods
• Observe your surroundings before exiting
• Keep your keys on your person instead of inside your bag for easy access
• Have your key ready when you return to your car and check the vehicle (including the back seat) before entering.

Driving general advice

• Consider campaign slogans and political stickers on vehicles may attract unwanted attention and make you readily identifiable
• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight
• Plan your route, stay on main roads, and inform someone of your travel plans if going to isolated areas, with your estimated time of arrival
• If followed or encountering an aggressive motorist, drive to a populated area for assistance
• If a passing motorist signals you to stop, continue to a populated area before checking your vehicle. Stay in the car with doors locked and engine running if you need to talk to a stranger. Drive away if you feel threatened
• If someone gets into your car, attract attention by using the horn, hazard lights, or stopping in a visible area
• Ensure your car is in good condition with sufficient oil, petrol, water, and tyre tread
• Consider an emergency safety kit with essentials like a pen, torch, note paper, portable phone charger, spare change, contact numbers, and a breakdown service.

Public transport general advice

• Be mindful when taking public transport
• Avoid unnecessary waiting and plan your travel using public transport websites or apps
• Wait in well-lit areas near other people where you feel safe
• If you feel your safety is threatened by a fellow passenger, some options to consider:
  • Respond assertively, e.g. ‘Leave me alone, or I will report you’
  • Move away to safety
  • Seek help from other passengers by asking specific people for assistance rather than making a general call for help
  • Activate an emergency button or use an emergency phone if available
  • Report the incident to the bus driver, train guard, police or to the transport company.
• When leaving public transport, be alert to who gets off with you
• Be alert to who gets off with you and have a plan to get to your car or home
• Sit where you feel most comfortable and safe. If the train is empty or nearly empty, consider sitting near the guard or driver.

Taxis/ride sharing general advice

• Private transport: be mindful of your personal data when using private transport services like Uber, your location, time, and personal details (name, phone number, destination) are recorded
• Secure taxi rank: If possible, catch a taxi from a secure rank
• Comfort: Don’t get into a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle if the driver makes you uncomfortable. You have the right to choose another vehicle
• Taxis: Note the taxi company and fleet number (displayed on the inside front windscreen or the left and right guards)
• Ride sharing: Ensure the vehicle registration matches the one on the app
• Seating: Sit where you feel most comfortable and safe. The left rear seat, diagonally opposite the driver,
• is recommended
• Route: Specify your preferred route. Speak up if the driver deviates from it. Ride-sharing apps display the best route on a map
• Alertness: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid sharing personal information with the driver. Inform the driver if the conversation is inappropriate
• Drop-off: You can ask to be dropped a few houses away if you’re uncomfortable with the driver knowing your address
• Safety threats: If the driver threatens your safety, ask them to stop. Make up an excuse if necessary and leave when the vehicle stops.

Driver refusal: If the driver refuses to stop

• Read out the fleet number (in taxis) and warn the driver you will report them
• Call out to someone on the street for help
• Use in-app safety features for ride sharing
• Call 000 in an emergency.

Parliamentarians may be subject to online abuse including harassment and intimidation for reasons including

• To provoke a reaction or cause distress
• Disagreement with your views or actions, prompting a backlash or criticism
• Attempts to silence or intimidate you by threats of violence, cyberbullying or online stalking
• Your success or prominence evoking jealousy or resentment leading to derogatory remarks or attempts to damage your character or reputation
• Becoming a target of online abuse based on misinformation, stereotypes, or prejudices
• You are subjected to online abuse as a form of retaliation or revenge, especially if involved in controversial or contentious issues
• Online threats or intimidation are conducted or sponsored by state-backed actors.

Online anonymity can embolden individuals to engage in abusive behaviour that they may not exhibit in face-to-face interactions. The distance and perceived anonymity of the internet can lead to increased levels of aggression or hostility. Abuse can have serious consequences, including psychological harm, reputational damage, and threats to personal safety.

If online abuse is happening to you

• Do not reply to any abusive messages
• Document abuse and keep offensive emails, messages and posts as evidence
• Block the abuser’s social media, email and instant messaging accounts, as appropriate
• Report the abuse to your internet service provider (ISP), mobile phone provider and/or the social media site as applicable
• Report serious abuse, such as threats of physical harm or persistent harassment, to the police
• If you receive threats or intimidation from individuals or groups associated with extremist ideologies or terrorist organisations, it is important to report this information to SPDL or the National Security Hotline1800 123 400
• If there is a threat of imminent violence or threat to life call000 immediately.
• The behaviours may not warrant the threshold of criminal charges, but it is important that SPDL is aware of any patterns and trends that may escalate over time, to assess your safety.

Malware is a blanket term used to describe malicious software designed to cause harm, including viruses, worms, spyware, trojans and ransomware

Cyber threat actors use malware to steal your information and money and control your devices and accounts. Scams are messages sent by cyber threat actors designed to manipulate you into giving up sensitive information or to activate malware on your device.

Some indicators a message may be a scam include

• Requests which pressure you to act with unusual urgency
• Requests to enter personal information such as addresses, dates of birth, bank account details or confirming existing passwords and credit card numbers
• Requests for remote access to your devices
• Requests to open an attachment. Never click a link unless you are sure it is from a trusted source
• Requests to send money or gift cards.

On all devices including phones, tablets, laptops and desktops

• Turn on ‘automatic updates’. This will help prevent software vulnerabilities that cyber threat actors can exploit
• Activate multi-factor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA). 2FA should already be set up on the most important accounts like banking, email accounts and other finance-related accounts
• Regularly back-up all devices so information can be recovered if it is stolen or damaged
• Physically secure all mobile device to prevent them being stolen
• Use strong passwords or a passphrase to secure your information. This is particularly important if critical accounts do not have 2FA protection. A passphrase is a string of words that are easy for you to remember but hard to guess
• Never record your password/ passphrase with your device
• When not using secure home Wi-Fi, connect to mobile data
• Do not use public Wi-Fi networks and be mindful of attempts to hack your device via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
• Reject Bluetooth pairing requests from unknown devices
• Change the default name and password on your home Wi-Fi network
• Turn on Wireless Network Encryption (WPA2) on your home Wi-Fi
• Use a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data when online.

If you think you are the victim of a cybercrime

• Report the matter immediately to your financial institution and to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)  or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline1300 292 371
• Advise SPDL of the matter and seek advice on next steps.

What is YOUR digital footprint?

For all personal and family accounts

• Lockdown all social media security and privacy settings
• Only engage with friends you have met in person; do not accept unsolicited messages or links
• Refrain from including images of your house, children’s school (first day at school photo)
• Check whether your social media provider removes location metadata from photographs
• Ask family and friends not to tag you in social media
• Tell family not to post locations or upcoming plans, avoid advertising planned holidays
• Do not post anything that creates a predictable pattern
• Change passwords regularly and have different password for each account
• Facebook tracks your ‘off Facebook’ online activity
• Suppress your online data. LinkedIn is actively targeted by foreign intelligence services
• Keep an eye out for cyber attackers using enticement, fear, uncertainty, doubt and urgency in their engagements with you
• Stop and consider any links you have been sent – even from senders you recognise. A hacker could be impersonating someone you know
• Be mindful of attempts over the phone to obtain your information or details
• Always hang up on illegal robot calls
• Put your phone number on the do not call register
• Do not give personal or financial details – even if they say they have the information and just need you to confirm it.

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Spear phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails supposedly from a known or trusted sender to induce targeted individuals to reveal confidential information.

Tabnabbing is a computer exploit and phishing attack, which persuades users to submit their login details
and passwords to popular websites by impersonating those sites and convincing the user that the site is genuine. The attack takes advantage of user trust and inattention to detail in regard to tabs, and the ability of browsers to navigate across a page’s origin in inactive tabs a long time after the page is loaded.

Vishing is just one form of phishing, which is any type of message —such as an email, text, phone call or directchat message — that appears to be from a trusted source but isn’t. The goal is to steal someone’s identity or money.

Pretexting is a method of inventing a scenario to convince victims to divulge information they should not divulge. Pretexting is often used against corporations that retain client data, such as banks, credit card companies, utilities, and the transportation industry.

Baiting is like the real-world trojan horse. It uses physical media and relies on the curiosity or greed of
the victim. It’s in many ways similar to phishing attacks. However, what distinguishes them from other types of social engineering is the promise of an item or good that hackers use to entice victims.

Tailgating is a physical rather than virtual cyber-attack where an unauthorised person gains access to usually restricted areas of an organisation or a building with a view to executing a physical or cybercrime to cause a data breach and steal confidential information, equipment as well as personal belongings.

Other terms used

Smishing is the act of using SMS text messaging to lure victims into a specific course of action. Like phishing it can be clicking on a malicious link or divulging information.

Pharming is a cyberattack intended to redirect a website’s traffic to another, fake site. Pharming can be conducted either by changing the hosts file on a victim’s computer or by exploitation of a vulnerability in DNS server software. DNS servers are computers responsible for resolving internet names into their real IP addresses.

Compromised DNS servers are sometimes referred to as “poisoned”. Pharming requires unprotected access to target a computer, such as altering a customer’s home computer, rather than a corporate business server.

Whaling is a specific kind of malicious hacking within the more general category of phishing, which involves hunting for data that can be used by the hacker. In general, phishing efforts are focused on collecting personal data about users.

Understanding deepfakes and impacts on democracy.

Deepfakes are highly realistic fake photos, videos, and audio recordings of real people that are
created using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These deceptive materials can be incredibly convincing, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. As members of parliament, and public figures, your identities may be targeted to influence public votes and interfere in the democratic process.

The threat to democratic processes

Deepfakes can pose a significant threat to our democratic institutions and processes.

They could be used to

• Influence public opinion: By spreading false information, deepfakes can manipulate public perception and sway opinions on critical issues
• Damage trust in institutions: The use of deepfakes can erode trust in governmental and public institutions, undermining their credibility and authority
• Disrupt democratic processes: Deepfakes can be employed to create confusion and chaos during elections, referendums, and other democratic activities, potentially altering the outcomes
• Promote misogynistic ideology: Recently, there have been increased reports of harmful pornographic deepfakes targeting female parliamentarians to discredit, create division and hate.

Recognising and protecting against deepfakes

It is crucial for members of parliament and high office holders to be vigilant and informed about deepfakes. Here are some key points to consider:

• Awareness: Stay informed about the latest developments in AI and deepfake technology. Understanding how deepfakes are created and used is the first step in combating them
• Critical evaluation: Always critically evaluate the authenticity of photos, videos, and audio recordings, especially those that seem suspicious or too sensational to be true
• Public education: Educate the public about the existence and dangers of deepfakes. An informed electorate is less likely to be deceived by false information.

Legal and ethical considerations

Producing and distributing deepfake materials for malicious purposes, such as fraud, disinformation, foreign interference, image-based abuse, or sexually explicit deepfakes, is illegal.

In Australia, deepfakes are addressed by a combination of federal and state laws. While no single law specifically addresses deepfakes, existing laws include Online Safety Act, Defamation Act, Copyright Act, Australian Consumer Law, National Security Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018, and the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024.

Reporting

To report a deepfake, first, determine if it’s harmful. Then, report it directly to the platform where it was shared or to eSafety in Australia for removal. Law enforcement agencies can also be contacted, particularly if the deepfake involves criminal activity.

Reporting steps

• 1. Assess harm:
  If the deepfake is causing harm, it’s crucial to report it
• 2. Platform report:
  Most social media platforms and online services have reporting mechanisms. Find the relevant section and report the content for review
• 3. eSafety:
  If you’re in Australia, eSafety can help with removing harmful content, including deepfakes, and provide assistance with removing them from online platforms

You can refer to eSafety (esafety.gov.au.) or Australia Cyber Security Centre (cyber.gov.au.) for further insights and information.

• 4. Law enforcement:
  If the deepfake involves criminal activity like fraud, impersonation, or threats, you may need to report it to Australian Federal Police, or State/Territory police
• 5. Disinformation register
  If it relates to a current election, Australian Electoral Commission collects a disinformation register
• 6. Document:
  Save screenshots or copies of the deepfake content as evidence. This can be helpful for reporting purposes and potentially for any legal action.