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When Governments Share Information
If sharing data could prevent harm but also carry consequences you oppose, what should you do?
We’ll explore cross-border information sharing, accountability, and safeguards through the lens of the Bali 9 case.
Cross-border law enforcement depends on cooperation between governments. Information sharing can support investigations, build capability, and strengthen working relationships that facilitate efforts to disrupt organised crime, including drug trafficking.
Australia opposes the death penalty.
What responsibilities apply when one government shares information with another that may use it within a legal system that imposes punishments the first government opposes? What safeguards, limits, or accountability mechanisms should exist in those situations?
In 2005, nine Australians were arrested in Bali for attempting to smuggle drugs to Australia. In 2015, two were executed in Indonesia. The Australian Federal Police shared information with the Indonesian National Police that proved to be pivotal in making the arrest.
We will also look at contemporary parallels where cooperation is contested, including tensions in the United States over immigration enforcement requests and local restrictions on cooperation. For contrast, we will also test the same principles in private contexts, where consent is often bundled and downstream use is difficult to audit.
This workshop invites participants to decide whether the Australian Federal Police were legally and morally justified in sharing their information with the Indonesian National Police. Should safeguards have been made or conditions been imposed? Who is accountable for the decision to share and for downstream consequences? What should be done when cooperation is lawful but values conflict?
Discussion frame
Not a verdict, a workshop
The aim is to surface reasoning, tensions, and tradeoffs. Participants do not need to arrive with settled positions. They do need to engage in good faith and tolerate disagreement.
Selection approach
EOIs are reviewed to create a constructive mix across viewpoints, familiarity, and communication styles. This is not a credential gate; it is a composition process.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior knowledge of the Bali 9 case?
No. The session is designed for mixed familiarity levels and begins with a shared primer to introduce or refresh the case and to draw parallels against current events.
Is this a debate where people try to win?
No. The format is facilitated deliberation: participants bring views, share them and deliberate with those who have signed up to do the same thing. This is civic engagement.
How are EOIs used?
EOIs are used to compose a balanced group across viewpoints, experience, and format fit. They are not used to select for a preferred political position.
Is there a debrief?
You're invited to share your reflections on the workshop.
We use AI to depersonalise them and to create a representation of the consensus and contrarian views that held up against debate.
If there is a common thread, we will invite participants to develop it into something that can be shared with those who represent us in making policy or effecting change.
Expression of interest
Join the pilot cohort
We will use your answers to help balance the group. Short, candid answers are better than polished ones.
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