ASIO's Role in Monitoring Security Threats

During my session with ASIO, I asked why they did not intervene when terrorist flags were flown, which is an offence, at demonstrations. Mr. Burgess explained that he was actually pleased when such incidents like this occurred because it made it easier to identify persons of interest and monitor them more closely in the future.

He stated that it's not ASIO's role to enforce the law, as that responsibility falls to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). He clarified that ASIO functions as a security service.

From a security perspective, Mr. Burgess noted that they would assess whether a visa applicant was a Hamas or Hezbollah sympathiser. He also confirmed that ASIO collaborates closely with the AFP and international partners.