Australia’s top intelligence official has issued a stark warning, revealing that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess delivered a major address outlining the threats facing the nation, including the realistic possibility of politically motivated assassinations orchestrated by foreign powers. The assessment highlights a concerning escalation in the willingness of some nations to conduct high-harm operations within Australia’s borders.
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Main Points
Mike Burgess, in his 2025 Lowy Lecture, detailed ASIO’s concerns regarding foreign interference, including espionage attempts targeting sensitive information related to the AUKUS security pact and Australia’s critical minerals sector. He emphasized that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil, posing a direct threat to individuals and potentially undermining Australia’s sovereignty. Burgess also highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence to exacerbate social divisions and the deliberate spread of disinformation by foreign actors.
According to Burgess, ASIO is actively working to counter these threats. He revealed that ASIO successfully tracked and manipulated a foreign intelligence service’s attempt to recruit an Australian citizen for espionage purposes. He also cautioned against the growing recklessness of foreign regimes in their efforts to interfere in Australia’s domestic affairs, citing Iran’s direction of anti-Semitic attacks as a prime example. The revelation that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil underscores the severity of the current security landscape.
Espionage and AUKUS Secrets
The attempt to steal secrets related to the AUKUS submarine program, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, underscores the high value placed on Australian defense capabilities by foreign intelligence services. Burgess explained how the foreign intelligence service attempted to recruit an Australian citizen to gather information on the economy, critical minerals, and the AUKUS agreement. The fact that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil to achieve their objectives demonstrates the lengths to which these actors will go to undermine Australia’s strategic interests.
Burgess said ASIO was aware of the plot and successfully intervened, preventing the foreign intelligence service from obtaining the desired information. The incident highlights the constant vigilance required to protect sensitive information and the importance of robust counter-espionage measures. The willingness of at least three nations to engage in lethal targeting on Australian soil adds a layer of complexity to the challenge of safeguarding national security. This revelation paints a concerning picture, emphasizing that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil for their purposes.
Foreign Interference and Social Cohesion
Burgess warned that foreign governments are actively attempting to exploit existing social divisions within Australia to undermine social cohesion and sow discord. He pointed to Iran’s foreign interference plot, in which local criminals were hired to carry out arson attacks on Jewish businesses and places of worship, as an example of the “high-harm operations” that some authoritarian regimes are willing to undertake. The fact that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil, potentially using similar tactics, raises serious concerns about the safety and security of Australian communities.
He also highlighted the role of Russian-backed operatives in spreading disinformation online to inflame divisions and amplify distrust. Burgess identified three groups responsible for undermining social cohesion: the aggrieved, the opportunistic, and the cunning. He warned that extremist groups are becoming more sophisticated at manipulating public anger and exploiting protests to recruit and radicalize followers. The threat posed by these groups is compounded by the willingness of at least three nations to engage in lethal targeting on Australian soil, creating a complex and challenging security environment. The knowledge that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil adds significant weight to the gravity of the situation.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Burgess cautioned that advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating the erosion of social cohesion by amplifying the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories. He noted that the internet has become the “greatest incubator of grievance narratives and cons,” making it easier for foreign actors and extremist groups to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. The fact that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil further exacerbates the risks associated with the proliferation of AI-driven disinformation.
The combination of AI-driven disinformation and the willingness of foreign powers to engage in lethal targeting on Australian soil presents a formidable challenge to national security. ASIO is working to counter these threats, but Burgess emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to protect Australia’s social cohesion and democratic institutions. The stark reality is that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil to advance their interests, requiring constant vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the nation.
The warning from Australia’s spy chief underscores the evolving nature of national security threats. The revelation that at least three nations are ‘willing to kill’ on Australian soil highlights the urgent need for continued investment in intelligence capabilities and counter-espionage measures. The government and security agencies must work together to protect Australia’s interests and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in the face of these growing threats.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
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