The Independent Special Rapporteur, former governor general David Johnston, presented has presented his first report on possible foreign election interference which reaffirms that the 2019 and 2021 federal elections were free and fair. However, the report acknowledges that foreign interference is a serious threat, so Johnston includes recommendations to detect, deter and counter it. A news release from the Prime Minister says letters have been sent to opposition leaders offering them the security clearance to view the additional classified information, which was one of the recommendations in Johnston’s report.

Johnston says the next step is public hearings. The Prime Minister says, “I want to thank the Independent Special Rapporteur for the important work he is doing and for the report we received today. We will take the necessary steps to implement his recommendations, and as a government, we will continue to take action to strengthen and protect our democracy.”