The Australian Federal Opposition has demanded clarification from the government regarding the appointment of political staffer Kathy Klugman as the new head of the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). The announcement was made by Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is currently on holiday. Klugman will replace Andrew Shearer, who is known for his strong national security stance.
Shearer, who has served as National Security Adviser under former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and as Cabinet Secretary for Scott Morrison, has been a prominent figure in Australia’s national security landscape since starting his career in intelligence in 1989. His tenure has been marked by a reputation as one of the remaining vocal national security hawks. Labor had previously opposed Shearer’s appointment, with Albanese and current Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressing their lack of confidence in him.
In a statement, a Labor spokesman criticized the government’s decision, stating, “This position requires public confidence in independent, contested and apolitical assessments of our security.” The spokesman further noted, “Mr. Shearer has had an extensive career as a partisan operative. He is not an appropriate choice.”
The government highlighted Klugman’s historic role as the first female head of ONI or its predecessor, the Office of National Assessments. Klugman’s background is rooted in diplomacy rather than intelligence, having spent three decades in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Her previous roles include serving as High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and she has been a foreign adviser to Albanese since the Labor government took office.
The appointment process has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the government’s obligation under the Office of National Intelligence Act 2018. This law requires the government to consult with the opposition leader before recommending a new head of ONI to the Governor-General for approval. Opposition sources indicated that the consultation with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was limited to a phone call informing her of the decision, which they deemed insufficient. A spokesman remarked, “That is not meaningful consultation.”
Critics have pointed out that the government’s actions, including this appointment, seem to undermine traditional conventions in governance. They argue that a long-term Labor staffer transitioning directly from the Prime Minister’s Office to a critical intelligence role raises concerns about the integrity of assessments related to national security.
This announcement coincided with the recent Senate Estimates round, allowing the government to sidestep potential scrutiny regarding the decision. Shearer is set to transition to a posting in Japan next year, coinciding with the end of his extended term, which was granted by the Labor government.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Klugman’s appointment for Australia’s national security strategy remain to be seen. The ongoing dialogue within the government and opposition highlights the contentious nature of such appointments and their potential impact on public trust in national security institutions.
