‘Mind-Blowingly Stupid’: Australia’s Spy Chief on Alleged News Corp Sting to Provoke Anti-Semitic Incident

Burgess also downplayed its significance, stating it wasn’t a priority.
‘Mind-Blowingly Stupid’: Australia’s Spy Chief on Alleged News Corp Sting to Provoke Anti-Semitic Incident
An Israeli flag is seen attached to the fence at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2024. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images
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Australia’s top intelligence official has criticised an alleged attempt by News Corp staff to provoke anti-Semitic remarks at a Middle Eastern restaurant, calling it “mind-blowingly stupid” during a Senate estimates hearing on Feb. 25.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess was questioned by Greens Senator David Shoebridge about the reported incident at Cairo Takeaway in Newtown, Sydney.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].