Asio to take over issuing high-level security clearances due to ‘unprecedented’ espionage threat

Government introduces bill transferring responsibility for ‘positive vetting’ to Australia’s spy agency to tackle foreign interference

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The spy agency Asio will take over issuing the highest level security clearances in Australia in response to what the government calls “the unprecedented threat from espionage and foreign interference”.

The government revealed the plans in a bill introduced to parliament on Wednesday, saying the new process would “reduce the risk of compromise of trusted insiders”.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup