At least three nations 'willing to kill' on Australian soil, spy chief says
Australia's leading intelligence official has sounded a stark warning that multiple foreign powers are capable of committing assassination inside the country’s borders. In a major address, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Mike Burgess cautioned that growing global instability and technological threats are testing Australia’s resilience.
Assassination Threats and Foreign Interference
“There is a realistic possibility a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a dissident on Australian soil,” said Mike Burgess, adding that ASIO believes “at least three nations” are willing and capable of pursuing such an operation.
Speaking at the 2025 Lowy Lecture, Burgess outlined how his organisation is confronting unprecedented levels of interference, espionage, and disruption campaigns from hostile state actors. He confirmed ASIO is fully prepared to block foreign attempts to influence or destabilise the nation.
Broader Security Concerns
Burgess’s remarks extended beyond physical threats to include cyber espionage and information warfare. He highlighted that adversaries are exploiting social media to fracture Australian society and undermine trust in institutions.
- Russian trolls spreading divisive content online
- Extremist movements such as neo-Nazis, Islamists, and radical anti-Israel activists
- Hostile foreign states targeting defence technology and AUKUS-related intelligence
AI and Future Security Risks
Burgess also stressed the emerging challenge of artificial intelligence misuse, noting that evolving digital tools are enabling faster and more covert espionage efforts. He called for stronger countermeasures to ensure national security remains robust amid these rapid changes.
Author’s Summary
Australia's spy chief warns that multiple nations pose assassination and espionage threats, urging vigilance as foreign and technological dangers intensify.