Home affairs minister’s chief of staff takes job with arms manufacturer Thales, Senate told

There are no rules governing the movement of government advisors to private industry, unless they seek to become registered third-party lobbyists or in some areas of defence. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA

Home affairs and cybersecurity minister Clare O’Neil’s chief of staff has taken a job with the cybersecurity contractor and arms manufacturer Thales, the Senate has heard.

Experienced Labor adviser Andrew Downes has served as chief of staff in O’Neil’s office since mid-last year, but was reported last week to be leaving for the private sector.