ASIO Says Politically Motivated Violence Now a Key Concern

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation ASIO Director General Mike Burgess preparing for his annual speech at ASIO headquarters in Canberra, Wednesday, March 17, 2021. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Australia has experienced nine suspected terror incidents over the past year, a third of which involved religiously motivated violence, according to Mike Burgess, director-general of security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

While none of the cases were connected to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, “the majority of incidents were allegedly motivated by nationalist and racist ideologies or mixed ideologies,” Burgess told a Senate inquiry on Nov. 4.

Burgess reaffirmed that ASIO continues to assesses a greater than 50 percent chance of domestic terror activity within the next year, based on rising politically motivated violence.

“My decision to raise the threat level followed a concerning increase in politically motivated violence,” he said.

Political Polarisation Fuels Extremist Behaviour

Burgess pointed out a surge in political polarisation, noting that “security dynamics are playing out as we predicted.”

He highlighted an increase in uncivil discourse and violent protest, spurred initially by COVID-19 restrictions and more recently by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Politically motivated violence is now one of ASIO’s principal security concerns,” he said, explaining that this category includes any act meant to achieve a political goal, from violent protests to attacks on public figures.

The past year in Australian politics has highlighted deep divisions over responses to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent attacks on the terrorist group in Gaza.

The division became more apparent on the Oct. 7 anniversary when Albanese government moved a motion to condemn Oct. 7 attack and the lives lost on both sides.

The Coalition declined to support the motion, as it also included a call for regional de-escalation and a ceasefire.

The Greens also abstained, objecting that the motion addressed the events of Oct. 7 without acknowledging allegations of war crimes by the Netanyahu government or the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Nevertheless, the motion found enough support from Teals and passed the House.

Burgess highlighted that the motivations for terrorism are becoming increasingly diverse.

“We are seeing an increase in issue-motivated extremism, fuelled by personal grievances, conspiracy theories, and anti-authority ideologies,” he said.

Although religious extremism remains ASIO’s largest counter-terrorism focus, many newer threats fall under issue-based or anti-authority motivations, with some individuals combining multiple ideologies.

Impact of Middle East Conflict

Burgess clarified that recent Australian terror incidents have no links to the Middle East conflict.

“None were directed from offshore. None of the alleged perpetrators were members of listed terrorist organisations,” he said.

However, ASIO continues to monitor any impacts from the conflict.

While the Opposition has criticised the Albanese government for permitting refugees from conflict zones into Australia, Burgess highlighted ASIO’s stringent security screenings for these individuals.

Dutton has accused the government of inadequate security, previously stating, “They’ve brought people in without doing interviews, from a war zone that’s controlled by Hamas, a listed terrorist organisation in our country.”

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan has also demanded clarification on visa protocols.

In response, Burgess explained that ASIO’s role in the visa process is strictly security-focused.

He noted that supporting violence or terrorism would be disqualifying, although more benign expressions, like support for a Palestinian homeland, would not automatically rule someone out.

“A provocative tweet or voicing support for a Palestinian homeland may not be an automatic disqualifier in our part of the process if the individual does not harbour extremist beliefs or support violence.”

New Counter-Terrorism Concerns

Burgess highlighted evolving counter-terrorism landscape.

“All involved young people, lone actors or small groups, low-capability weapons, and, in most cases, individuals unknown to ASIO or police,” Burgess noted, adding that most incidents occurred with little to no warning.

Burgess attributed the threat growth to factors including minors’ radicalisation, social media influence, mental health issues, misinformation spread, encryption use, and increasing grievances.

He emphasised the need for a community-wide response, stating that ASIO alone cannot handle the crisis.

“These dynamics make ASIO’s job more difficult and demanding.”

Growing Threat of Espionage

Beyond terror concerns, Burgess warned that espionage and foreign interference levels have not diminished.

He reported that multiple nations are attempting to influence Australia’s politics, defence capabilities, and economic priorities.

According to Burgess, some foreign entities are even recruiting government officials and intimidating diaspora communities.

“ASIO continues to prosecute a more aggressive counter-espionage and foreign interference posture,” he added.

He also cited a recent example where the Australian Federal Police arrested and charged two Russian-born Australian citizens after extensive ASIO and Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce investigations.