The problem isn't that DSD was listening in on Australian citizens conversations. They are allowed to do that, just the same as the CIA, and FBI and any number (and there seems to be lots of others) US government agencies do.
The DSD's job is to monitor communications and if they intercept an Australian Citizen and that communication doesn't compromise national security then they should disreguard and delete it.
HOWEVER - In this instance they passed the details of the conversation in the form a transcript to the Howard government to assist them in making a political decision that has no bearing on national security.
The conversation was between the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia) and the ship and at a guess I daresay it was inquiring about the welfare of its members (or members of an affiliated organisation)on board the ship.
Howard has tried to destroy the MUA in the past and has even considered using the Australian Military.
Many Australians (and I'm one) view Howard as being the worst kind of politician, not as sever as a neo-Nazi but from the same self serving short sighted mold. Much like the Average US citizen might view Nixon. i.e. - Politics before morality.
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The problem isn't that DSD was listening in on Australian citizens conversations. They are allowed to do that, just the same as the CIA, and FBI and any number (and there seems to be lots of others) US government agencies do.
The DSD's job is to monitor communications and if they intercept an Australian Citizen and that communication doesn't compromise national security then they should disreguard and delete it.
HOWEVER - In this instance they passed the details of the conversation in the form a transcript to the Howard government to assist them in making a political decision that has no bearing on national security.
The conversation was between the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia) and the ship and at a guess I daresay it was inquiring about the welfare of its members (or members of an affiliated organisation)on board the ship.
Howard has tried to destroy the MUA in the past and has even considered using the Australian Military.
Many Australians (and I'm one) view Howard as being the worst kind of politician, not as sever as a neo-Nazi but from the same self serving short sighted mold. Much like the Average US citizen might view Nixon. i.e. - Politics before morality.