The Australian revealed almost 1000 surveillance cameras and other recording devices, some of which have been banned in the US and the UK, had been installed across government buildings.

Marles said the government was assessing surveillance technology in use.

“We’re doing an assessment of all the technology for surveillance within the defence estate, and where those particular cameras are found they’ll be removed,” he told ABC’s Radio National on Thursday.

Asked how widespread the issue was, Marles said it “shouldn’t be overstated”.

“It’s a significant thing that’s been brought to our attention and we’re going to fix it,” he said.

“It’s important that we go through this exercise and make sure that our facilities are completely secure.”

Asked if there was concern the removal of the cameras would negatively impact the relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “no”.

“We act in accordance with Australia’s national interest, we do so transparently, that’s what we’ll continue to do,” he told reporters in Canberra.

Liberal senator James Paterson told Sky News he had launched an audit of every government department and agency, including the Department of Parliamentary Services, concerning security cameras in Parliament House.