Chinese surveillance cameras in the Australian parliament amid fears that data could be fed back to Beijing

Australia’s defense minister said more than 900 Chinese-made surveillance cameras and devices will be removed from sensitive Australian government buildings over fears the equipment sends data back to Beijing.

“We are reviewing all surveillance technology within the defense estate and where those particular cameras are found, they will be removed,” Richard Marles told the ABC.

“It’s something important that has been brought to our attention and we’re going to fix it.”

An audit revealed the shocking amount of Chinese-made devices scattered throughout government buildings, including the offices of the Defense, State and Attorney Generals.

The cameras and devices are manufactured by Chinese companies Hikvision and Dahua, both of which are partly owned by the Chinese government.

Surveillance devices from Hikvision and Dahua were banned or severely restricted in the United States and the United Kingdom last November.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed concerns that removing the equipment would further damage relations with China.

“We are acting in line with Australia’s national interest,” he said.

‘We do that transparently. We will continue to do that.’

Shadow cybersecurity minister James Paterson conducted a six-month audit across all Commonwealth departments that led to the discovery of multiple surveillance cameras and recording equipment in government buildings.

The number of installed surveillance units was counted, but some departments could not provide a number.

The audit was fueled by

More to come.