Power plants are among the more than 165 critical infrastructure assets that need protecting.Credit:Fairfax Media
Under laws that have taken effect this week,Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton will have a last-resort power to intervene and demand critical infrastructure operators take necessary steps to mitigate national security threats if they are not already doing so.
The new Security of Critical Infrastructure Act will also create a register of the highest-risk assets that gives operators six months to provide the government with detailed information on who owns,controls and has access to the infrastructure and its systems.
Mr Dutton said the new laws would help guard against the threats of sabotage,espionage and coercion.
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“While foreign involvement in Australia’s infrastructure and economy is welcome,it does mean our critical infrastructure assets are potentially more exposed than ever,” he said.
He said the new laws would give the government “visibility of who owns and controls the highest-risk critical assets”.