Australian Signals Directorate chief Mike Burgess named as ASIO boss

Australian Signals Directorate chief Mike Burgess has been appointed leader of ASIO replacing Duncan Lewis.

Mike Burgess has been announced as the new boss of ASIO.

Australian Signals Directorate chief Mike Burgess has been named Australia’s new director-general of security, replacing Duncan Lewis as the leader of ASIO.

Mr Burgess will lead the security organisation in the wake of increasing fears over foreign interference and the continuing work to combat domestic terrorists.

The ASD chief said today he was honoured to lead ASIO and described how he joined Australia’s secretive intelligence community 24 years ago.

“Just over 24 years, I spotted a weird, geeky sounding advert in the newspaper ... it was short of details on who was recruiting but being a curious guy I gave it a go,” he said in Brisbane.

“When I rang the number listed all I got was a ‘hello. I responded with my ‘hello’ then after a short pause, all I got was a ‘hello’. That was my introduction to the world of intelligence and security.

“A lot has changed in the last 24 years, but a lot hasn’t.

“ASIO performs incredible work protecting Australia from serious threats. And those threats are very real.”

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said Mr Burgess was the best person to lead ASIO.

“His service to our country — not only in the public service, but his private sector experience as well - puts him in good stead,” he said.

“Mike Burgess is one of the most respected people within the Australian intelligence community, and indeed globally.”

More to come