PRESS RELEASE
2 November 1999

John Bryant
Defence Spokesperson

AUSTRALIAN SECURITY LEAKS: NZ SECURITY COMPROMISED?

Sources in Australia claim that an Indonesian born and German trained electronics engineer who worked for a Government Department in Canberra until his retirement five or six years ago, was an agent for the Indonesian intelligence service. He had access to Defence Signals Directorate stations at Geraldton and Shoal Bay, for which he designed some electronic systems, and, it is alleged, used his access to provide Indonesia with codes and details of the capabilities of those installations.

These allegations are already in the public domain in Australia. If correct, it follows that the security of New Zealand as well as that of Australia could have been compromised. There could also be implications for multilateral security relationships. Because the allegations are very serious and, as indicated, have already been published, I trust that our Minister of Defence will, after discussion with his Australian counterpart, be able to reassure the New Zealand public either that the allegations are entirely without foundation, or that action has been taken to secure Australia's Defence communications now and for the future. This is of immediate significance because of New Zealand's commitments in East Timor," concluded Mr Bryant.

Contact: Mr John Bryant in Christchurch on (03) 359 2247 or (025) 222 9746
Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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