ASIO boss Mike Burgess has been reappointed for five more years

The Albanese government has announced the head of Australia’s top security agency Mike Burgess has been reappointed for another term.

ASIO boss Mike Burgess will continue to lead the spy agency for another term.

Federal Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil confirmed Mr Burgess’ appointment will remain

as Director-General of Security for an additional five-year term.

“Mr Burgess has made an extraordinary contribution to Australia’s national security and his leadership of ASIO has been invaluable in an increasingly complex security environment,” Ms O’Neil said in a statement.

Mike Burgess has been reappointed ASIO Director-General for another five years. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has praised Mr Burgess. . Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“ASIO is a critical part of our national security community and plays a crucial role in protecting Australians from security threats.

“For the past 75 years ASIO’s operational and analytic efforts have helped keep Australians safe from threats like terrorism, espionage, and foreign interference.

“ASIO’s people are its greatest asset and every Australian is safer because of their diligent work.”

Ms O’Neil later posted to X.

“On a personal note, Mike has been an incredibly important and trusted adviser to me since I was appointed Home Affairs Minister. I congratulate him on his reappointment,” she said.

Mr Burgess is Australia’s 14th Director-General of Security and has led ASIO since September 2019.

He has in recent years delivered forthright information about the threats to Australia’s security, but courted controversy this year when he used his annual threat assessment address to reveal an ex-politician was recruited by a foreign intelligence service “several years ago” but declined to name them.

In May, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw was reappointed for two years to October 26, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Vice Admiral David Johnston would be the new Chief of Defence.

Originally published as ASIO boss Mike Burgess has been reappointed for five more years