Could making national security an election issue in itself be a threat to national security?

Recently the Australian Defence Minister claimed that China wants Anthony Albanese to win the next federal election. The Prime Minister called Albanese the Manchurian candidate. The moves appear to be part of an election strategy the makes ‘national security’ an issue. What is ‘national security’ and can the strategy work?

Mike Burgess also warned of the threat to Australian security from people made angry during COVID-19 lockdowns . Source: Source: 25 Sep 2021 AAP: James Ross Caption

Greg Barton,is Professor of Global Islamic Politics, in the Alfred Deakin Institute for Globalisation & Citizenship (ADI) at Deakin University.  He explains to Sri Dean the extent to which issues related to ‘national security’ might influence voters in the coming election.

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Why did Mike Burgess (the chief of Australia’s Secret Intelligence Organisation) warn politicians about making ‘national security’ an election issue? Source: Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP