The Director-General of Security of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Mike Burgess has revealed that numerous foreign states are interfering with Australia’s diaspora communities. During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Sunday, Burgess disclosed that ASIO has identified several states involved in threatening and intimidating individuals living in Australia, including Iran, as [reported earlier this year](https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/foreign-interference-in-australia.aspx) by then-Minister for Home Affairs, Claire O’Neil.
This disclosure comes in the wake of Australia raising its terror threat level from “possible” to “probable,” signifying a 50 percent or greater chance of experiencing an onshore attack within the next 12 months. Burgess emphasized that foreign interference remains a principal security concern. He particularly pointed out that three or four states were implicated in these threats and intimidations.
Burgess also highlighted the role of the internet and social media as the “greatest incubator of violent extremism” and warned politicians to choose their words carefully to prevent their rhetoric from inciting violence. The rise in unmonitored social media usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been noted as a likely factor in the increasing number of minors embracing violent extremism in the country. Since April, five out of eight identified potential terror attacks have involved minors. One notable incident includes an [April stabbing](https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/04/australia-authorities-charge-5-juveniles-over-australia-church-stabbing-that-sparked-riot/) at a Sydney church, which led to the arrest of five juveniles. Police have identified religious extremism, a dominant driver of violence pinpointed by Burgess, as a potential motive behind the attack.
In an earlier press statement announcing the change in threat level, Burgess assured Australians that they should not be afraid but “aware,” noting that “probable does not mean inevitable.”
For the full details of the interview and further context, you can read more on [JURIST – News](https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/08/australia-security-director-says-foreign-states-interfere-with-australia-diaspora-communities/) website.