29 February 2024
Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security
It is reassuring to see increased awareness of, and discussion of, the foreign interference threats facing Australia.
I understand the interest in ASIO providing more details about the individual mentioned in a case study from my Annual Threat Assessment.
It is an historic matter that was appropriately dealt with at the time. The individual is no longer of security concern.
In accordance with long-standing practice, ASIO will not publicly discuss individuals or provide operational details.
There are multiple reasons for this, including the need to protect our sources and capabilities. In this case, while we want the foreign intelligence service to know its cover is blown, we do not want it to unpick how we discovered its activities.
I have said many times that foreign intelligence services from multiple countries are seeking to conduct espionage and foreign interference in Australia.
I have said many times that foreign intelligence services have targeted—and continue to target—all levels of government and all political parties.
I have also said many times that while attempts to interfere in our democratic processes are common, successful interference is not.
Our democracy remains robust, our parliaments remain sovereign, our elections remain free and the overwhelming majority of our politicians remain thoroughly resistant to even the most sophisticated and subtle approaches.
I will continue to raise awareness of the threats facing Australia to ensure potential targets can better recognise, resist and report them.