Mike Burgess

Australia's security environment is degrading due to threats from autocratic regimes, hackers, and antisemitic extremists, according to the country's spy chief. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned that the current terrorism threat level of 'probable' does not fully reflect the systemic and compounding nature of these threats.

Iran organized the December 2024 attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue through a network of Iraqi-based militia groups. A former Australian resident living in Iraq directed the attack, according to Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization.

An Australian citizen in Iran, a senior member of the Revolutionary Guards, orchestrated an antisemitic firebomb attack in Sydney, according to Australia's spy chief. Mike Burgess warned of potential further attacks or an assassination in Australia by an Iranian group active in Europe.

Australia's ASIO chief, Mike Burgess, warns that the Middle East conflict could increase violence from Iran-backed groups operating abroad. The statement highlights concerns about rising threats linked to Tehran-aligned terrorism.

Police in Melbourne charged a third suspect in an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue allegedly directed by Iran. The 20-year-old suspect, one of three masked offenders, caused extensive damage and minor injuries during the December 2024 attack. The Australian government accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of orchestrating the arson through proxies, which Iran denies.

Police in Melbourne charged a third suspect in an arson attack on a synagogue allegedly directed by Iran. The 20-year-old suspect, one of three masked individuals, was arrested for setting fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 6, 2024, causing significant damage and minor injuries. Australian authorities accuse Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of orchestrating the attack through proxies, though Tehran has denied involvement.

Police charged a third suspect in a Melbourne synagogue arson attack allegedly directed by Iran. The 20-year-old suspect and two others broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 6, 2024, causing significant damage and minor injuries. The Australian government has linked the attack to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which denies involvement.

Australia’s spy chief, Mike Burgess, stated that anti-Semitism was left unchecked in the country following the Gaza war, leading to increased severity from intimidation to direct targeting of people. This was cited in an inquiry into the 2025 Bondi Beach mass shooting, where 15 people were killed at a Jewish Hanukkah event.