Australia’s domestic intelligence agency has issued one of its starkest warnings in recent years. In early November 2025, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess revealed that “at least three nations are willing and capable of conducting lethal operations in Australia.”

Delivered at a closed-door briefing attended by government and security leaders, Burgess’ remarks underscore a sharp escalation in the nature of foreign interference threats. For the first time, ASIO has publicly acknowledged that hostile state actors are not only engaging in espionage and cyber intrusion but are prepared to use violence to silence or intimidate individuals on Australian soil.

A Growing Threat Landscape

Burgess did not name the countries involved, but sources cited by ABC News suggest the warning aligns with broader concerns already shared among Australia’s intelligence partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom. These states have recently reported a rise in “transnational repression”, the practice of targeting dissidents, journalists, or critics abroad through harassment, abduction, or even assassination attempts.

While such activities were once rare in Australia, the intelligence community now views them as a credible threat. The revelation comes amid a string of high-profile incidents globally, including the 2024 UK Parliament inquiry into Chinese and Iranian interference, and reports of foreign surveillance against diaspora communities in Canada and Europe.

Security Implications at Home

Although Burgess emphasised that the majority of Australians face no direct risk, his comments carry significant implications for corporate and protective security professionals. Australia’s growing role in defence technology, cybersecurity, and energy transition projects makes it an increasingly valuable target for state-based espionage.

Universities and critical infrastructure sectors have already been identified as key risk areas. In 2024, the Australian National University disclosed multiple attempts at unauthorised data access linked to foreign entities, while the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reported a 23% rise in state-linked cyber incidents targeting national infrastructure.

Physical and digital threats are becoming increasingly intertwined. Intelligence officials warn that online harassment campaigns, doxxing, and digital intimidation can serve as precursors to real-world targeting, a tactic that has been seen overseas.

Maintaining Vigilance in a New Era

This latest statement from ASIO reinforces that national security is no longer a matter confined to government intelligence agencies. The intersection between cyber resilience, physical protection, and information security now defines the modern risk environment.

For Australia’s security industry, it is a reminder of the stakes: protecting people and institutions isn’t just about preventing theft or disruption, it’s about defending against the strategic intent of state-level adversaries.

As Burgess noted, the threat environment is “complex and evolving,” but Australia’s intelligence partnerships and growing public awareness remain its strongest lines of defence. For now, vigilance, coordination, and transparency are key to ensuring that hostile actions, digital or physical, never find a foothold on home soil.