Director-General of Security, Mike Burgess AM
20 October 2026
I acknowledge the horrific attack on Helen Haines and our thoughts are with Helen, her family and loved ones, and also those who responded yesterday.
Victoria Police are working to establish the motivation for this attack, including whether the incident was politically motivated.
When ASIO raised the National Terrorism Threat Level in August 2024, I stated that politically motivated violence had joined espionage and foreign interference as Australia’s principal security concerns:
“Politically motivated violence encompasses terrorism but is broader than that. It covers any violent act or violent threat intended or likely to achieve a political objective. This includes violent protest, riot or an attack on a politician or our democratic institutions…
Unfortunately, we are seeing spikes in political polarisation and intolerance, uncivil debate and unpeaceful protest.
Anti-authority beliefs are growing; trust in institutions is eroding; provocative and inflammatory behaviours are being normalised…
As polarisation, frustration and perceived injustices grow, ASIO anticipates an increase in politically motivated violence – including terrorism – across all ideological spectrums. Attacks are likely to occur with little to no warning and will be difficult to detect.”
The National Terrorism Threat Level remains at PROBABLE, but the temperature and trajectory of the security environment are concerning.
Elevated levels of grievance, intolerance and polarisation continue to create a permissive environment of violence.
I have repeatedly put on the record my concern about the use of violent rhetoric in public discourse.
Words matter.
While political differences, debates and peaceful protests are essential parts of a healthy democracy, ASIO has seen direct correlations between inflamed language, inflamed tensions and acts of violence.
Disagreement is okay but acts of violence and intimidation are not – especially against those democratically chosen to represent us.
By all means disagree but consider how you disagree. By all means protest but consider how you protest. By all means criticise elected officials but consider how you criticise elected officials.
This incident occurred in an environment where politically motivated violence is more likely than previous years.
I genuinely believe the temperature of our security environment would be several degrees lower if we recommitted to conversing with civility, debating with respect and disagreeing with restraint.
We must take these threats seriously, protect those being targeted and defend Australians’ right to share their points of view in a peaceful way.
ASIO and our partners in law enforcement will continue to work around the clock to protect Australia and Australians.
If you face an immediate threat, call the police on 000. If you see something that concerns you, please call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. One call can make a difference.