ASIO Reveals Foreign Governments Plotted Harm Against Critics in Australia

In his annual threat assessment, ASIO chief Mike Burgess disclosed that at least three foreign governments have plotted to harm individuals in Australia, including a foiled assassination attempt on a human rights activist. The agency intervened to prevent the activist from being lured overseas under false pretenses, highlighting a broader campaign by foreign regimes to eliminate critics globally. ASIO also alerted U.S. authorities about a 12-year-old boy planning mass shootings in the U.S. and identified foreign cyber units attempting to exploit critical infrastructure in both Australia and the U.S. Burgess warned of increasing espionage threats related to Australia's AUKUS partnership with the U.S. and Britain, with foreign agents actively seeking to undermine military confidence and capabilities. The threat landscape is deteriorating, with predictions of rising communal violence and foreign interference in upcoming elections. Burgess emphasized that Australia is not insulated from these global threats and must remain vigilant.