Australia's top intelligence official has revealed that multiple foreign nations have attempted to harm or assassinate critics living in the country, with authorities recently thwarting a plot to lure a human rights activist overseas, where they would be silenced in a staged "accident."

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment on Wednesday evening, detailing the increasing threats posed by hostile states. He confirmed that his agency had identified at least three different countries attempting to "physically harm people" residing in Australia.

“In some instances, we held grave fears for the lives of those targeted,” Burgess stated. “In one case, a foreign intelligence service sought to silence an Australia-based human rights activist.”

Disrupting Global Assassination Plots

Last year, ASIO uncovered another plan by a foreign intelligence service to harm or potentially kill individuals on Australian soil. The agency, in collaboration with international partners, was able to disrupt the broader operation, which Burgess described as part of a worldwide effort by the regime to eliminate its critics—activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens.

“These plots are not just about harming individuals; they are direct assaults on Australian sovereignty and the freedoms we hold dear,” he emphasized.

Beyond assassination attempts, foreign regimes are continuously engaged in surveillance, harassment, and coercion of Australians and residents with ties to their home countries.

Election Interference and Rising Antisemitic Threats

Burgess also warned that foreign governments are likely to attempt interference in Australia’s upcoming federal election, but assured that ASIO is actively monitoring for such activities. The Australian Electoral Commission has already briefed foreign diplomats, making it clear that any attempts at meddling would have consequences.

Additionally, ASIO played a crucial role in preventing a potential school shooting in the United States. Intelligence gathered by the agency helped U.S. authorities thwart a planned attack by a 12-year-old American who identified as a neo-Nazi and had discussed live-streaming an attack on a school, church, synagogue, or mosque.

Concerns Over Antisemitic Attacks

Burgess expressed particular concern over the rise of antisemitic incidents in Australia, warning that such attacks have "not yet plateaued." He noted that anti-Israel rhetoric has increasingly escalated into explicit calls to "kill the Jews," with Jewish communities, places of worship, and prominent figures being specifically targeted.

"A hyper-connected world allows overseas conflicts and political tensions to spill over into Australia, fueled by social media, misinformation, and disinformation," he said.

Foreign Sabotage a Growing Threat

For the first time, ASIO has declassified parts of its latest “futures assessment,” which projects security threats through 2030. Burgess described the outlook as “uncomfortable,” warning that the security environment will only become "more dynamic, more diverse, and more degraded" over the next five years.

He highlighted the growing aggression of certain authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia, which he suggested could target Australia for sabotage due to its support for Ukraine.

"Russia’s brazen acts of sabotage in Europe show that authoritarian regimes are increasingly willing to use a range of coercive and destructive tactics," Burgess warned.

Additionally, cyber units from at least one foreign nation are continuously probing Australia’s critical infrastructure networks, likely mapping systems to plant malware or maintain access for future attacks.

With increasing global instability, Burgess underscored ASIO’s commitment to safeguarding Australia from foreign interference, cyber threats, and targeted violence.