Australian intelligence chief warns of unexpected spying threat

Australia faces an unprecedented threat of espionage and foreign interference, with more Australians at risk of becoming victims of agents than ever before, the head of Australia’s main intelligence agency said on Tuesday. In a 21-page assessment speech, Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) security secretary general Mike Burgess said many countries are using espionage and foreign interference to advance their own interests and undermine Australia’s interests.

“They are using espionage to covertly understand Australian politics, the decision-making process, our alliances, partnerships and our economic and policy priorities,” Burgess said. Australians are being targeted for espionage and foreign documents more than at any time in Australia’s history, foreign intelligence services are on the rise, espionage is on the rise, more people are being targeted More damage is being done, ASIO is having to conduct more investigations, ASIO is being more hindered.

”””” He said that from the position he is sitting, he can feel that the battle is being fought very closely. His statement was released to the media ahead of his speech at the ASIO headquarters in Canberra, Australia’s capital. He said that in September 2021, when US President Joe Biden, then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a tripartite agreement to provide a fleet of American nuclear technology-based submarines to Australia, his agency has Realized that there has been an uptick in online targeting of people working in Australia’s defense industries.

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