Mr Mike Burgess AM, Director-General of Security
13 January 2026
Thank you, Chair.
It has been 30 days since the heartbreaking and senseless act of violence at Bondi.
On behalf of ASIO, I acknowledge the deep pain and grief of the families, friends and community of those killed and injured.
ASIO officers are working around the clock on this investigation. That’s what the families of the victims and all Australians deserve.
ASIO will fully cooperate with the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and is currently responding to Mr. Richardson’s inquiries.
ASIO expects scrutiny and embraces accountability, so I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision.
You'll appreciate that apart from the Royal Commission, there are ongoing investigations and a court case.
So, I will limit my remarks to the topic before this committee – the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.
The Bill will allow ASIO to provide additional advice as part of background checking to State and Territory firearms licensing bodies through our federal partner, AusCheck; and we will have a role advising the Government about groups that spread hate and division.
I welcome the opportunity to do more to protect Australia and Australians from threats to security.
However, the proposed legislative response is not the only response required.
Every one of us has a role to play combatting anti-Semitism and protecting social cohesion.
Our words matter, our decisions matter, our actions matter.
Thank you Chair.