Newswire

The Australian Government’s foreign interference guidance makes it clear that espionage and foreign interference now pose one of the most serious threats to Australia’s sovereignty, democracy, and way of life. ASIO has warned that more Australians than ever are being targeted, often through subtle, persistent efforts aimed at influencing decisions, accessing sensitive information, or undermining trust in institutions.

The article “Hiding in Plain Sight: What the Death of Aldrich Ames Teaches Us About Insider Threats” uses the case of CIA traitor Aldrich Ames to highlight how insider threats often arise from human behaviour rather than technical vulnerabilities.

Violence does not end when the attack stops. In the days and weeks after Bondi, something else has been spreading quietly and unevenly: FEAR.

Acts of terrorism may be carried out locally, but the ideologies that justify and sustain them are often shaped, reinforced, and legitimised far beyond national borders.

The Bondi shooting was not only an act of violence. It was a moment when multiple forms of trust failed at the same time.

Both workplace retaliation and ideological attacks are insider threats, but only one is driven by grievance. The other is driven by hatred, and that distinction matters.

What happened at Bondi Beach was not random, and it was not unforeseeable. It was the violent outcome of a threat that has been building internally for some time.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has delivered one of his strongest warnings yet, urging Australian businesses to brace for highly sophisticated foreign espionage.

Organised Crime is a $68 billion problem facing Australia every year. Criminal networks undermine our economy, exploit communities, and threaten national security. They operate across borders, use advanced technology, and rely on insiders and professionals to hide their activities. Their actions drive up costs, endanger vulnerable people, and erode public trust. Understanding how these groups work is key to disrupting them and protecting Australia’s future.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has released guidance on what is considered serious or systemic corrupt conduct. The document provides clarity on how these terms are interpreted under the NACC Act and outlines the responsibilities of agency leaders in referring such matters.

Amid a rare diplomatic showdown, Iran’s ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, was abruptly expelled and declared persona non grata—Australia’s first such move since WWII. He spent an entire day holed up in the embassy in Canberra before leaving, reportedly heading to his residence in the capital.

The Australian Institute of Criminology calculates espionage cost the Australian economy $12.5 billion in 2023–24. This includes the direct impact of espionage, for example, intellectual property theft as well as mitigation and response costs.