SYDNEY, Australia: Australia’s top spy, Mike Burgess, has raised alarms about foreign interference within the country, revealing that even some nations considered friendly are implicated in these activities. In a recent interview with ABC, Burgess, the Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), disclosed that the identities of these interfering countries would surprise many.
While the Australian government has previously named Iran as a foreign interference threat, citing an incident where Australian intelligence thwarted a surveillance operation targeting an Iranian-Australian’s residence, Burgess noted that other nations are also engaging in covert operations. He mentioned that at least three or four countries are involved in foreign interference within Australian diaspora communities, hinting that some of these nations are among Australia’s allies.
Burgess’s comments underscore the breadth of foreign interference, espionage, and politically motivated violence as critical security concerns for Australia. He emphasized that ASIO takes a proactive stance against such threats, addressing instances of intimidation and influence within the country’s diverse communities.
In a significant case from 2022, Burgess revealed ASIO had disrupted a foreign interference plot orchestrated by an affluent individual with ties to a foreign government. This person attempted to sway an election through financial contributions, though the specific election was not disclosed.
The ASIO chief also highlighted the rising terrorism threat level in Australia, which has been increased to “probable.” He attributed this rise to the spread of extreme ideologies and misinformation on social media, which particularly affects younger Australians. Burgess expressed concerns about the impact of these ideologies on the upcoming general election, expected in 2025, suggesting it will be a critical period for monitoring politically motivated violence and social unrest.
Burgess’s revelations emphasize the complex and evolving nature of national security threats, showcasing the challenges faced by Australian intelligence in safeguarding the country against both domestic and international risks.
