Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Science) Share this | Hansard source

The revelations this week that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps orchestrated at least two attacks here in Australia demonstrate the lengths to which hostile states will go to undermine our security and our social cohesion. This is one of the most egregious acts of foreign interference against our nation, and it is totally appropriate that Labor have finally expelled the Iranian ambassador. I thank the men and women at ASIO, whose investigation uncovered this plot, for their continued service towards keeping us safe.

But we must not assume that Iran is finished with its attacks on Australia. While these assaults were physical in nature, we should anticipate that Iran's retaliation for the ambassador's expulsion could venture into the cyberdomain. We know that cyberwarfare is a preferred weapon of state actors and is particularly utilised by the Iranian mullahs. Google's threat intelligence group has already raised the prospect that pro-Iranian activists may seek to target Australian organisations. The Albanese government must stand ready and be prepared to provide immediate support to affected groups or individuals, and it must be transparent with the Australian people. To all those Australians who are listening: this should serve as a timely reminder to always take care online and to look out for any suspicious activity.

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