Mike Burgess AM, Director-General of Security
30 January 2025
ASIO is monitoring and, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, investigating multiple anti-Semitic incidents in Australia.
We have seen a disturbing escalation in the targeting of Jewish interests, and a disturbing escalation in the severity and recklessness of the targeting, with general harassment and intimidation moving to the targeting of people and places.
These incidents are appalling, and particularly distressing for the Jewish community.
While ASIO keeps the national terrorism threat level under constant review, I do not anticipate changing the threat level from PROBABLE in the immediate future.
One of the key reasons we raised the threat level in August 2024 was because we anticipated spikes in politically motivated violence. Unfortunately, the security environment has evolved almost exactly as we expected. As I said at that time:
“As polarisation, frustration and perceived injustices grow, ASIO anticipates an increase in politically motivated violence – including terrorism – across all ideological spectrums.”
PROBABLE means probable – we assess there is a greater than 50% chance of a domestic terrorist attack or attack planning in the next 12 months.
The current terrorism threat level is the same as it was at the height of the Islamic State caliphate.
While the caravan matter in New South Wales remains under police investigation, ASIO does not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.
I understand how distressing these incidents are, and want to assure members of the community ASIO is using the full range of its capabilities to assist multiple police investigations, including through the well-established structures of Joint Counter Terrorism Teams around the country.
I urge anyone with concerns about potential terrorist activity to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Security is a shared responsibility – even more so at a time such as this.