Tribunal orders public hearing on secret 2004 ASIS bugging of Timor-Leste
A court ruled that Australia must open a public hearing. It will cover unclassified parts of ASIS's 2004 bugging of Timor-Leste.
Rex Patrick secured transparency. A tribunal ordered the government to open part of its defence hearing to the public on Friday.
The case concerns a 2004 ASIS operation. Australian spies placed listening devices in Timor-Leste government offices.
They wanted to learn the nation's negotiating position on oil and gas fields worth more than $50 billion. The government has always refused to confirm or deny the bugging even happened.
Patrick's fight began with a request for cabinet documents from 2004. The government and ASIS claim these cannot be publicly discussed.
They say this would risk national security. The tribunal's deputy president ruled that intelligence officials are skilled enough.
They will not accidentally say secret information during open testimony. Only ASIS and foreign affairs officials will give evidence.
The hearing runs for three days in late November. Patrick calls the operation the most open secret in the history of Australian spying.
- more than $50 billion
- Oil and gas fields worth
- 2004
- Year of operation
- three days
- Hearing duration
- late November
- Hearing timing
Why it mattersThe ruling exposes something that was hidden for decades. It shows how Australia used spying to gain advantage over a poorer neighbor during negotiations.
AustraliaAustralians will finally hear the government's public explanation for spying on Timor-Leste, a significant moment for national transparency and Australia-Timor relations.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
