ASIO's political assassination warnings 'tip of the iceberg'

ASIO's Political Assassination Warnings Highlight Greater Threats

Former home affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has stated that the recent revelation about the risk of a political assassination on Australian soil represents only the "tip of the iceberg." This warning follows a speech by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess that unsettled political circles this week.

Concerns Raised in 2025 Lowy Lecture

Mike Burgess, delivering the 2025 Lowy Lecture at Sydney Town Hall, emphasized a "realistic possibility" that three foreign governments might attempt assassinations within Australia.

“Australia has never faced so many different threats at once.”

He also highlighted the serious challenge the nation faces in maintaining social cohesion, which he described as both "under siege" and "under attack."

Impact of Middle East Conflict on Australian Security

“The conflict in the Middle East ... reshaped Australia’s security environment from afar. While the conflict did not directly inspire terrorism here, it prompted protest, exacerbated tension, undermined social cohesion and elevated intolerance.”

Burgess warned that inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions have become normalized, fostering a climate where violence and hatred against communities can spread more broadly.

“I fear the normalization of violence and hatred against one community created a permissive environment for similar behaviours in other communities.”
Summary

The warnings from ASIO leadership underscore a complex, rising threat environment in Australia, with political violence risks uncovering deeper divisions and challenges to social unity.

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Sky News Australia Sky News Australia — 2025-11-07

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