Despite a stark warning from ASIO boss Mike Burgess about foreign plots seeking to harm Australians, Defence Minister Richard Marles has sought to reassure the public that Australia is not 'vulnerable'. Mr. Burgess revealed in his annual threat assessment that at least three countries have plotted 'physical harm' against individuals in Australia. While acknowledging the seriousness of the threats, Mr. Marles emphasized the effectiveness of Australia's intelligence agencies in thwarting these plots. He stated that Australia's current strategic circumstances are the most challenging and threatening since World War Two, requiring significant investments in defence spending and national capability.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has sought to reassure Australians they are not 'vulnerable' after ASIO boss Mike Burgess revealed a staggering level of foreign plots seeking to harm them. Speaking to Sky News host Peter Stefanovic on Thursday, Mr Marles was asked why Australians were “vulnerable to attacks” after Mr Burgess delivered his “most significant, serious and sober” annual threat assessment yet.
In his address on Wednesday night, Mr Burgess revealed ASIO had identified at least three countries have plotted to “physically harm” people living in Australia. In some cases, the security intelligence organisation held “grave fears” for the lives of individuals. One plot involved a foreign intelligence service attempting to silence a human rights activist by tricking them into visiting a third country where the plotters would await them. “They planned to arrange an ‘accident’ that was anything but accidental, with the objective of seriously injuring or even killing the activist,” Mr Burgess said, adding ASIO had been able to foil the operation in time. Mr Marles said he would not “use the word vulnerable” because Australia had intelligence agencies which were “excellent at what they do” and the “best in the world” at foiling hostile security threats. “The threat assessment report from ASIO is asking Australians to have a sense of confidence about ASIO and the other security agencies that we have to meet the threat that we face,” the Defence Minister said on Thursday. The Deputy Prime Minister, said the “fundamental fact” was the current times are the “most challenging” and “most threatening” strategic circumstances since World War Two. “I mean, you can look around the world to see how complex it is and in many respects how volatile it is and we're not immune from that,” he said. “Because of this we are increasing our defence spending very significantly, we are significantly increasing our national capability in terms of defence and that in turn has a number of countries looking at us and interested in what we're doing and wanting to know more through whatever means.” Mr Marles denied he was worried about the years ahead, but confessed he was not “sanguine” either and insisted the present state of global affairs were complex and “in many respects threatening” which required considerable preparation and arming. “It is about making sure that we have long range capable submarines, that's what we're doing through AUKUS, but it's also about making sure that we are defending ourselves in a cyber sense, that we are defending our community through our agencies like ASIO and we are making sure that we're doing all of that,” Mr Marles said. During his Wednesday night address, Mr Burgess spoke about another case only last year where ASIO detected a different foreign intelligence service wanting to “harm and possibly kill one or more individuals on Australian soil”. “Working with our international partners, we determined this plot was part of a broader effort by the regime to eliminate critics of the foreign government around the world – activists, journalists, ordinary citizens,” he said. He added the individuals were also human rights advocates, and ASIO had disrupted the plot at an early stage. Australia’s top spy said beyond these instances, multiple foreign regimes “continually attempt to monitor, harass, intimidate and coerce cooperation from Australians and those who call Australia home”. Mr Burgess also warned Australia’s defence system is set to “face greater threats from espionage, foreign interference and potentially sabotage” over the next five years. “Multiple countries are relentlessly seeking information about our military capabilities. Defence personnel are being targeted in-person and online,' he said
AUSTRALIA SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE ASIO RICHARD MARLES MIKE BURGESS ESPIONAGE FOREIGN INTERFERENCE DEFENSE SPENDING
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Teen's Death in Perth: Defence Claims Self-Defence, Not Racial MotiveA 23-year-old man accused of swinging the fatal blow that killed Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey claims self-defense. His lawyer alleges Cassius stabbed him first, and another man then struck the fatal blows. The prosecution denies racial motivation, but acknowledges that racially charged evidence will be presented. The trial, expected to last 40 days, continues.
Read more »
Calls for Conscription as Australia's Defence Force Faces Recruitment CrisisRetired Australian Army chief, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, warns of a looming crisis in the Defence Force due to dwindling troop numbers. Leahy urges the government to significantly increase recruitment and considers conscription as a last resort if Australia faces a major conflict.
Read more »
Australia and Papua New Guinea to Begin Defence Treaty NegotiationsAustralia and Papua New Guinea will launch negotiations on a formal defence treaty on Thursday, aiming to bolster security ties in the Pacific amid growing competition from China. The treaty, which would deepen integration and facilitate mutual support in case of security threats, is seen as a strategic move to counter Beijing's influence in the region. While no timeline for completion exists, both countries are eager to expedite the process.
Read more »
Trump's Advisor Predicts Strong US-Australia Ties Despite Albanese's Past CriticismRobert O'Brien, Donald Trump's former national security advisor, believes that the relationship between Australia and the United States will remain strong under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, despite ideological differences and previous criticism from Albanese towards Trump. O'Brien also expressed confidence in the future of the AUKUS submarine deal.
Read more »
Australia ‘not giving up’ on Paris climate agreement despite Trump withdrawal, Bowen saysBut climate change and energy minister says government will not announce its 2035 emissions target before election
Read more »
Polestar Australia Sees Sales Dip Despite New Model LaunchesPolestar Australia experienced a 30% decline in sales in 2024, despite introducing two new models, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4. The drop in sales is attributed to the anticipation surrounding the new models and the shift in consumer interest. Managing director Scott Maynard remains optimistic about the brand's future, highlighting the potential of the Polestar 4 in the mid-sized SUV market.
Read more »