Today Show, interview with Chris Uhlmann
JOURNALIST: Foreign Minister Julie Bishop joins us now. Good morning.
JULIE BISHOP: Good morning, Chris.
JOURNALIST: Foreign Minister, we understand that the bomb did detonate early and that could have been a life saver in this event. What is your reaction to this? This is exactly the kind of attack that the government is preparing for.
JULIE BISHOP: This is a shocking reminder that a terrorist attack can take place anywhere at any time. Clearly the device didn't go off as intended and we can be thankful for that, but Australians intending to travel to New York should continue with their travel plans but be vigilant, be aware and follow the directions of local authorities because this kind of incident tragically does happen.
JOURNALIST: Back home, Victorian Police will be retrained to use deadly force immediately in a terror situation. Obviously terror is something we have to live with. This kind of use of lethal force though, will it be debated?
JULIE BISHOP: I would imagine that there will be a debate about it, but given that we have thwarted quite a number of terrorist attacks in recent times, we have to consider whatever we can do to keep Australians safe from terrorist attacks, both at home and abroad.
JOURNALIST: Julie Bishop, are you concerned about the relationship with China now we have seen a furious response to Australia's introduction of those foreign interference laws? "China-phobia" is a word that is coming out of China and inside Australia. Is the relationship suffering serious damage?
JULIE BISHOP: No, it is not. We have a very deep and comprehensive relationship with China across a diverse range of matters, and this has been growing and building for many, many years, and it continues to deepen. China is our largest trading partner, the people-to-people links are growing all the time through tourism and students and the like. At a government level we have a very good relationship, I meet often with my Chinese counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The relationship is complex and diverse but of course there will be differences of opinion from time, but we can be frank and honest with each other and express our differences, but recognising that the relationship is too important for us to be focussed on just that. There are many positives about the Australia-China relationship and that is what I focus on.
JOURNALIST: People might not know that Australia has two spy agencies, one ASIO that looks after the domestic area and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service which falls in your portfolio of foreign affairs. You have launched a new campaign trying to recruit a new generation of spies. What is happening there?
JULIE BISHOP: Chris, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service is not well known to many Australians, but it is one…
JOURNALIST: It is a secret.
JULIE BISHOP: Indeed, it is one of the most vital agencies that looks after our interests overseas and we are looking to recruit more intelligence officers. We have a new online test. If they go to morehumanintelligence.com.au, people undertake an online test to see if they would be suitable to be recruited for ASIS. It is the equivalent of MI6 in the UK or the CIA in the United States. They are involved, particularly overseas, in gathering intelligence, gathering information, in espionage, issues like counter-terrorism, people smuggling, following those who would be a threat to Australia. It is fascinating, interesting work and we are looking for intelligent people obviously, from a diverse range of backgrounds. Those who can form relationships, who are observant, curious and prepared to be deployed overseas and absolutely committed to pursuing Australia's natural interests.
JOURNALIST: Well Julie Bishop, I am up for it, thank you.
JULIE BISHOP: Thank you.
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