Shaoquett Moselmane had spent his 11-year political career out of the spotlight.
But that all changed yesterday when federal agents raided his home and office and confused NSW Labor MPs speculated about how their unassuming colleague had ended up at the centre of an investigation into international espionage.
Key points:
- Mr Moselmane has visited China at least 15 times
- The AFP and ASIO are conducting a joint investigation
- Mr Moselmane joined the NSW Upper House in 2009
“Goodbye and good riddance — he was a menace,” one MP told the ABC, as Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers interviewed Mr Moselmane in his office nearby.
Mr Moselmane’s Labor Party membership was yesterday suspended amid allegations Chinese government agents had infiltrated his office.
If he is ultimately charged, he will be the first person to face legal action under the Federal Government’s legislation to counter foreign interference.
Mr Moselmane has been a vocal critic of the laws that were tightened in 2018 amid concern among Australia’s spy chiefs over the threat of espionage from foreign p