The Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) accused some friendly nations on Sunday of conducting foreign interference operations in the country, particularly in the political system and diaspora communities. 

"I can think of at least three or four that we've actually actively found involved in foreign interference in Australian diaspora communities," Director-general Mike Burgess said in an interview with public broadcaster ABC, adding "Some of them would surprise you. Some of them are also our friends."

Burgess highlighted that Australia's primary safety concerns are foreign interference, espionage, and politically motivated violence, emphasizing the prevalence of such threats and intimidations that exist in diaspora communities.

"When we find it, we deal with it effectively," the spy chief said.

Heightened security awareness

The intelligence organization categorized Australia's terrorism threat level as "probable," anticipating an increase in extremist ideologies and violent acts within the next 12 months.

Burgess said that the organization will monitor potential security risks in the upcoming 2025 general elections, believing it would be a "focal point" for robust debate concerning social issues. 

The director-general also discussed on Sunday the problem of misinformation circulating on social media, stating this phenomenon complicates combating politically motivated violence since minors are generally "locked in their bedrooms on their devices," and are constantly exposed to violent extremism. 

Back in 2022, Burgess disclosed an instance of foreign interference plotted by a wealthy person known as "the puppeteer" who had close relations with a foreign government, where the individual embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars to an employee in an attempt to influence the elections. The spy chief did not specify which vote was targeted for the plot.