Spy chief’s grave warning to all MPs

The boss of ASIO has sent a letter to federal MPs, warning them they could be targets of foreign powers via friends or even relatives.

Federal politicians could be targeted by foreign intelligence services via “an unwitting relative, friend or business partner”, according to the nation’s top intelligence chief.

ASIO chief Mike Burgess has written to federal MPs, warning the scale of foreign interference remains high, and “multiple countries are undertaking these activities here in Australia”.

In the letter, Mr Burgess writes MPs were particularly “attractive targets” for foreign spies, who look to create “a sense of indebtedness” using donations and business opportunities.

While he concedes attending community events is an “important part” of a politician’s role, MPs are urged to “operate under the assumption that what you say could be conveyed to a foreign power”.

Australian intelligence also “cannot rule out a proxy trying to get access to you through an unwitting relative, friend or business contact”, MPs are cautioned.

The two-page letter cites requests to politicians to reveal political secrets or change position on a sensitive matter as examples of when “influence can become interference”.

ASIO director-general of security Mike Burgess has told MPs to be wary of foreign actors. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Mr Burgess warns the threat of foreign interference also comes from Australian citizens.

The letter comes after a 65-year Melbourne man became the first Australian to be charged with a foreign interference offence since national security laws passed in 2018.

The man faces the possibility of 10 years in jail if convicted.

The 65-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after a year-long investigation by the Counter Foreign Interference (CFI) Taskforce into his alleged relationship with a foreign intelligence agency.

“The CFI Taskforce has taken preventive action to disrupt this individual at an early stage,” AFP deputy commissioner Ian McCartney said.

“Foreign interference is contrary to Australia’s national interest; it goes to the heart of our democracy.

“It is corrupting and deceptive, and goes beyond routine diplomatic influence practised by governments.’’

The matter remains an ongoing investigation.