ASIO spy boss: Australia under ‘daily attack’ from espionage

The nation’s spy chief has delivered an ominous warning about threats of foreign influence, saying Australia is facing an “unprecedented” wave of espionage.

Duncan Lewis, the director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has reportedly said the nation is facing “daily attacks” for foreign adversaries.

Mr Lewis told The Australian that “the number of investigations going on today is higher than it has ever been”.

“It’s constant. Every day there is a discovery. Some of them are more alarming than others,” Mr Lewis said.

Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Duncan Lewis. Picture: AAP

He said while the terrorism threat was not rising it was at a concerning level and needed to be addressed.

Mr Lewis said that the threat of espionage, including cyber-attacks, was now widespread, including attempts to interfere in Australia’s political system.

“Technological developments are happening every five minutes. While that technology is overwhelmingly good for the community, there is a downside to it,” he said. “It is true now that a person who would wish us ill is far more empowered as a result of the technology at their disposal than once upon a time.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton during Question Time in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

This week, Labor supported the Morrison Government’s foreign fighters bill, giving Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton greater powers to stop Australian jihadis from returning home from war zones.

Robert Mueller, special council on the Russia investigation, testified this week about the former soviet nation interefereing in the 2016 US election.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve seen a number of challenges to our democracy,” Mr Mueller said. “The Russian government’s effort to interfere in our election is among the most serious. As I said on May 29, this deserves the attention of every American.”

Former special counsel Robert Mueller listens to committee members give their opening remarks before he testifies before the House Intelligence Committee. Picture: AP

He said Russian interference in US elections didn’t end in 2016 and that they were still doing it “as we sit here”.

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