Key Points
- ASIO boss Mike Burgess says inflamed language by politicians can lead to violence.
- He singled out recent comments by Iran’s ambassador against Israel.
- Burgess also warned countries friendly to Australia are engaged in foreign interference.
“I get robust political debate, that’s got to continue as a strong part of society but, just be careful with your language because, again, inflamed language leads to violence.”
“It’s unhelpful when you are using analogies of weapons designed to hurt people”.
Burgess mentioned Nationals MP Shadow Minister Barnaby Joyce’s recent “bullets” remark as an example of violent language. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
He also singled out on social media about “wiping out” of Israelis in Palestine by 2027.
“What a … terrible example of actually inappropriate, unacceptable language that it can actually drive violence in our society,” Burgess said.
‘Friendly’ nations involved in foreign interference: Burgess
“Some of them would surprise you. Some of them are also our friends,” he said.
ASIO boss responds to threat level ‘delay’
The raising of the threat level came only 24 hours after the Albanese Government was briefed by ASIO, as the agency was closely monitoring politically motivated extremist ideologies, citing the rise in racial violence in the UK as an example.
“When it comes to the lowering of the threat level, I think you’ll appreciate there is a big difference in terms of the speed at which you need to communicate that [to the public],” Burgess said.