Scott Morrison’s WeChat account wasn’t hacked, no evidence of Chinese foreign interference, says Labor Party after official briefing
- Australia’s Shadow Minister for Home Affairs sought a briefing from national security officials amid claims Morrison’s WeChat account was hijacked
- The unsubstantiated claims by the government risk inflaming anti-Asian racism in the run-up to national elections, experts warn
The Australian opposition Labor party’s conclusion that there was no Chinese foreign interference in Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s WeChat social media account has sparked criticism from analysts that the government is making a mockery of the nation’s national security.
On Monday, following a briefing with Australian national security agencies, the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Kristina Keneally told her Labor colleagues there was no evidence that Morrison’s WeChat account was hacked or was the target of foreign interference.
Senior members of Morrison’s cabinet and the local media last month alleged the leader’s WeChat account had been blocked and hijacked while accusing the Chinese Communist Party of foreign interference. There were also calls to boycott WeChat.
But a spokeswoman for Keneally said security agencies did not recommend any regulatory or legislative changes over the issue. Morrison’s account has been legally transferred to another party.
“It’s up to Mr Morrison and members of his government to explain why they have stated that his WeChat account was subject to foreign interference and censorship,” the spokeswoman said.