Foreign spies are targeting defence employees working on Aukus, Asio boss reveals
Guardian4 days
Report: Foreign Espionage Cost Australia AU$12.5B in Fiscal Year 2023-24
Above: The portrait of ASIO Director-General of Security Mike Burgess was taken in Canberra on Feb. 28, 2024. Image copyright: Alex Ellinghausen/Sydney Morning Herald/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
While espionage costs are concerning, ASIO's successful disruption of 24 major operations demonstrates that existing security measures are working effectively. The prevented costs from counter-espionage activities have saved tens of billions of dollars, showing Australia's intelligence community is successfully protecting national interests despite the challenges.
Opposition narrative
The $12.5 billion espionage cost shows Australia faces unprecedented foreign intelligence threats that demand immediate action. Defense workers carelessly advertising security clearances on LinkedIn are practically handing sensitive information to hostile nations. These aren't harmless networking attempts — they're sophisticated operations targeting the nation's most critical military secrets and economic advantages.