Ex-ASIO chief questions Australia’s defence spending amid Western budget boosts

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The “real issue” with Australia’s defence spending is not if the Albanese government is splashing more cash but whether it is “enough” and flowing “fast enough”, an ex-spy chief says. Duncan Lewis headed the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) from 2014 to 2019. Since departing the country’s domestic spy service, he has become chair of the European Australian Business Council and the Australian arm of weapons maker Thales. Mr Lewis said on Monday there was no doubt Labor had increased the defence budget since coming to power. Camera Icon Ex-ASIO chief Duncan Lewis says the ‘real issue’ with Australia’s defence...