Three nations on notice after assassination revelations
The nation’s top spy has tipped off three countries after sensationally revealing there was a “realistic possibility” of a foreign government carrying out an assassination attempt on Australian soil.
The trio were not directly named by Australian Security Intelligence Agency director-general Mike Burgess at the 2025 Lowy Conference on Tuesday night.
However, it may not be necessary to define them.
“Countries whose names I haven’t mentioned know who I’m talking about,” he said in a meeting with Lowy Institute executive director Michael Fullilove.
“We know who they are.
“By mentioning them publicly, I’m also letting them know that we know some of you are ready to do this, and we will do everything we can to stop it before it happens.”
During his speech, Mr Burgess said the deteriorating trajectory of Australia’s security environment, as well as the increasing willingness of regimes to inflict harm, formed the basis of ASIO’s assessment.
“There is a realistic possibility that a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a perceived dissident in Australia,” he said.
“We believe there are at least three countries here willing and able to conduct lethal targeting.
“This threat is real.”
Burgess said some may try to hide their involvement by imposing punitive deductions, pointing to a similar tactic used by Iran in 2024 when it ordered firebombing attacks on Melbourne’s Addas Synagogue and Sydney’s Lewis Continental Kitchen.
He also mentioned recently revealed links between pro-Russian influencers in Australia and an offshore media outlet that was “almost certainly” taking orders from Russian intelligence.
Another incident involved a foreign intelligence service trying to recruit Australians to gather information on the economy, critical minerals and the country’s nuclear submarine deal with the US and UK.
Although Mr. Burgess’s address did not name China, the spy chief was asked about the country’s absence.
“I didn’t mention China in my speech today,” he said.
“So how do you know that in my remarks today, I wasn’t talking about what China is doing?”
He chose not to name China because his speech was about factors fraying Australia’s social fabric.
“The extreme end of this is not China,” he said.
“Although we have some concerns about this too.”
The internet’s ability to incubate discontent, international conflicts such as the war in the Gaza Strip, and extremist groups such as the National Socialist Network are all said to have played a role in disrupting the country’s social cohesion.
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