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ABC News
ABC News
National
By Josh Bavas and staff

Queensland Premier's office accidentally reveals ASIO agent's name

The Queensland Premier's office has apologised for publicly revealing the name of an ASIO agent.

The name was made available online after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's ministerial diaries were published, detailing meetings with security officials.

The name was swiftly removed after the Premier's office was contacted by The Guardian, which broke the story and reported that the name was online for at least a month.

A spokesman for Premier Palaszczuk said it was an "administrative error".

"It was removed," he said.

"We apologise and steps have been taken to ensure it doesn't happen again."

The identities of ASIO operatives are kept secret.

Naming an agent without consent carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.

The Premier is yet to make a public statement on the matter.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has called for an investigation, calling it an "absolute disgrace".

"It has compromised national security and compromised an intelligence officer who is serving our nation," Ms Frecklington said.

"A full investigation must be carried out into this farce by the Palaszczuk administration."

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton declined to comment and directed media enquiries to ASIO.

ASIO said in a brief statement it had no comment on the matter.

"I refer you to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, S92 — publication of identity of ASIO employee or ASIO affiliate," the statement said.

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