Folks in Down-Under Land are crediting U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss with making a sort-of apology on behalf of the United States, for Edward Snowden’s disclosure of some embarrassing espionage practices by the Australian government.

Tony Abbott is currently engaged in his first visit to Washington as Australia’s prime minister.

Documents released by Snowden revealed that Australia had eavesdropped on the cell phones of the president of Indonesia, his wife and other members of his inner circle.

Senator Chambliss, who chaired a committee that investigated intelligence issues related to the September 11 attacks, told the Prime Minister that Australia was critical to the "five eyes" intelligence community that comprises the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC