FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent trip to Australia and New Zealand. His undemocratic, backdoor meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has not surprisingly turned a few heads. Patel, a controversial figure and loyalist of former President Donald Trump, is known for his significant influence in U.S. law enforcement. Burke only agreed to hold the meeting after the ABC asked Burke about it. This shocking announcement led to a dramatic outcry over the need for openness in public contracting.
Mr. Patel’s trip included the opening of a permanent FBI office in Wellington, New Zealand, as well as an announcement regarding the expansion of the FBI’s presence there. His role has become increasingly critical as he oversees one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies in the United States. From the Joint base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during his visit to Hawai’i, he showed how crucial international collaboration is in confronting global security problems.
Controversial Figure
Patel’s reputation as a controversial figure stems from his remarks regarding individuals jailed for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol Hill assault. He publicly painted several of his opponents as “political prisoners.” This statement of intent has been met with quizzical heads shaking, skepticism, and outright condemnation from many stakeholders. His extreme proximity to Trump and the support he’s shown for the riot perpetrators have raised considerable ire. Everyone is looking to his words and actions as a guide.
David Shoebridge, member of the New South Wales legislative council, calls for much more transparency around Burke’s meeting with Patel. He feels the public is entitled to know these things. He raised alarm over the prospect of a prime minister sitting down with someone who has defended the January 6 insurrectionists. He further recommended limiting such engagements to prevent stirring public fear.
“The minister, understandably, wanted his meeting with a defender of the January 6 rioters, kept secret.” – David Shoebridge
Expanding International Collaboration
During his trip, Patel spoke of the need for countries in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance to work together. That club consists of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Britain and Canada. He ended with a hopeful note on collaborative approaches to addressing emerging urgent challenges to our world.
“Some of the most important global issues of our times are the ones that New Zealand and America work on together.” – Kash Patel
Patel stressed the need for coordinated action among security organizations. He reiterated the idea that the FBI is an excellent law enforcement agency. It can’t do it by itself. It must be able to count on its allies to have its back.
“The FBI cannot do it alone. The FBI, in my opinion, is the greatest law enforcement agency in the world, and our partners in the Five Eyes are our greatest partners around the world. But we need all of them … to get after the fight and put the mission first.” – Kash Patel
Calls for Transparency
Burke readily admitted that he liked his night out with Patel, but he refused to provide any information about what they discussed. His confirmation of the meeting, which he initially denied, has led to renewed calls for increased transparency around government interactions with foreign officials.
Senator Shoebridge is encouraging the public to demand better government advertising and explanation of these forums. He thinks Australians should be able to find out who their ministers are meeting with and why it’s relevant to them.
“Going forward, the best way to avoid public concern about meeting with Trump appointees who defend the January 6 riots is not to meet them in the first place.” – David Shoebridge
