Top Spy Chiefs Axed From Peak Security Body Ahead of CCP Foreign Minister’s Visit

Why the move now to remove Australia’s spy chiefs from the peak intelligence body?

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director General Mike Burgess poses for a portrait ahead of his annual threat assessment speech at ASIO headquarters in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 28, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The centre-left Labor government has removed the bosses of Australia’s domestic and foreign spy agencies from their permanent roles in the National Security Committee (NSC), a decision that could impact the effectiveness of the country’s intelligence services.

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) since 2019, had consistently raised alarm bells about the threat of foreign interference and espionage.