Photo: 123RF
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess said while the main security threat remained from Sunni Islamic extremist groups, the growth in right-wing extremism was also a major concern. Obviously, terrorism threat level remains probable, he said. Given the growth we ve seen in nationalist and racist violent extremism we anticipate there will be a terrorist attack in this country in the next 12 months. It can come from either ideology and therefore for me doesn t really matter, because they re both capable of conducting acts of violence and that s where we focus.
Burgess was later asked to clarify his comments, that he believed an attack could happen within the next year.
Asio chief says a terrorist attack in Australia is probable in the next 12 months msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Share
He said in the case of foreign spies the lack of opportunity for international travel and reduced social mobility meant their tradecraft evolved, and they increased their online activity and approaches .
Some of Australia s adversaries were seeking to undermine and exploit Australia s pandemic recovery. We have already seen extremists trying to stoke social divisions, and foreign intelligence services wanting intelligence about Australia s key export, technology and research industries.
Mr Burgess said ASIO had also become aware of an Islamic State video last year which referenced the Australian bushfire crisis to encourage arson attacks in the West. It also featured a firearm similar to the weapon used by the Christchurch attacker with inscriptions such as today we invade you in your own homes and the Islamic State is remaining .
ASIO smashes foreign spy nest that successfully recruited a government official dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Claire Young
Claire Young was former senior analyst with the Australian government for over 20 years. She has worked on Australian security issues for some 40 years, including strategic policy analysis in the Department of Defence and as a writer and assistant editor for the Pacific Defence Reporter.
Articles by Claire Young (1) Claire Young 16 Feb 2021 15:30 The frozen continent is not fully quarantined from an assertive China, yet myths should not be mistaken for reality. Stay informed with the latest commentary and analysis on international events from experts at the Lowy Institute and around the world.