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

ASIO's Warning on Political Assassinations Is 'Tip of the Iceberg'

Former home affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has highlighted that the recent revelation about the risk of political assassinations on Australian soil represents merely the "tip of the iceberg."

ASIO Director-General's Lowy Lecture Insights

During the 2025 Lowy Lecture at Sydney Town Hall, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess shocked the political sphere by announcing a "realistic possibility" that three foreign governments might attempt assassinations within Australia.

“Australia has never faced so many different threats at once,” Mr. Burgess said, emphasizing that social cohesion is currently “under siege” and “under attack.”

Impact of Middle East Conflict on Australian Security

Mr. Burgess explained how the conflict in the Middle East, despite not directly inspiring terrorism in Australia, has affected the country's security landscape by fueling protests, heightening tensions, and eroding social cohesion.

“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,” he said.
Concerns Over Normalized Violence and Hatred

He warned that inflammatory language and provocative acts have become routine, creating an environment where violence and hatred toward various communities can spread unchecked.

“I fear the normalisation of violence and hatred against one community created a permissive environment for similar behaviours in other communities,” Mr. Burgess added.

Summary: ASIO's recent warnings reveal growing and complex security threats in Australia, including political assassination risks and rising social tensions amplified by global conflicts.

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

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