Australian spy boss says he shifted resources from counterterrorism before attack
The Australian spy agency chief revealed that resources were shifted from counterterrorism to espionage investigations prior to a deadly attack in Sydney. This decision was made as the threat level was reduced due to decreased terrorist activity. Following the attack, the agency faced increased antisemitic threats and raised the terrorism threat level again.
- ▪Mike Burgess, director-general of ASIO, testified that resources were redirected from counterterrorism to foreign interference investigations.
- ▪ASIO had lowered Australia's National Terrorism Threat Level to 'possible' in November 2022 after the defeat of the Islamic State group.
- ▪Following the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, ASIO observed a rise in antisemitic behavior targeting Jewish Australians.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onAustralian spy boss says he shifted resources from counterterrorism before attackAn Australian spy agency boss has told an inquiry he had pivoted resources away from counterterrorism to espionage and foreign a few years before two gunmen massacred 15 people at Sydney Hanukkah celebrationByROD MCGUIRK Associated PressMay 25, 2026, 1:31 AM1:12FILE - People attend a ceremony to mark the National Day of Reflection for victims and survivors, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, following the Bondi shooting on Dec. 14.
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