ASIO boss explains why mixed ideologies have seen terror threat rise | 7.30

Summary

In this program, Mike Burge discusses the recent elevation of Australia's national terrorism threat level to 'probable,' indicating a greater than 50% chance of a terrorist act within the year. He highlights the rapid radicalization of individuals, including minors, driven by a mix of ideologies and grievances, facilitated by the internet and social media. Burge emphasizes the responsibility of the community, including parents and educators, in monitoring and addressing radicalization, and touches on the indirect impact of global events like the conflict in Gaza on domestic security.

Takeaways

• 📈 The national terrorism Threat Level has been raised to 'probable', indicating a greater than 50% chance of an act of terrorism within the next 12 months.
• 🔍 The increase is not due to a single incident but a pattern of incidents, with eight attacks or disruptions involving alleged terrorism in the last four months.
• 👥 A notable trend is the involvement of minors and youth in these incidents, with the oldest being 21 and the youngest 14.
• 🌐 The motivations behind these incidents are diverse, including religious, nationalist, racist, and mixed ideologies, not just the traditional focus areas.
• 📉 There has been a significant drop in case load related to ISIS since the caliphate's defeat, but the threat has evolved with new forms of radicalization emerging.
• 🌐 The internet and social media are key factors in the rapid radicalization of individuals, particularly affecting the youth.
• 🔒 The community, including parents, educators, and everyday people, have a responsibility to be aware of and counteract radicalization, especially among young people.
• 🏭 The rise of 'accelerationists', individuals with far-right ideologies who aim to bring down society, is a concerning development in the threat landscape.
• 🌍 The conflict in Gaza and the reactions to it have indirectly influenced the threat level by driving strong emotions and reactions, making violence seem more permissible.
• 🗣️ Politicians and the media have a crucial role in using careful language and reporting to avoid inflaming tensions and contributing to violence.
• 🔎 Espionage and foreign interference remain significant security concerns, and the agency is working to identify and address threats across multiple fronts.

Q & A

What does the term 'probable' mean in the context of the national terrorism Threat Level?

In the context of the national terrorism Threat Level, 'probable' indicates a greater than 50% chance that within the next 12 months, an individual or small group will resort to violence with little or no warning to commit an act of terrorism.

What was the last time the national terrorism Threat Level was lowered, and why was it raised previously?

The national terrorism Threat Level was last lowered in November 2022. It was previously raised in 2014 due to the rise of ISIS and the radicalization of individuals influenced by their ideology and charismatic leaders.

How has the environment changed in the last 10-12 months to warrant a change in the Threat Level?

The environment has changed with more people being radicalized more quickly, and from a range of grievances and ideologies, not just the ones seen in 2014. This includes a broader set and mixing of ideologies where violence is seen as permissible.

What does the increase in incidents involving minors signify about the current threat landscape?

The increase in incidents involving minors, with the oldest being 21 and the youngest 14, indicates that youth are particularly vulnerable to rapid radicalization, often driven by social media and isolation.

What is the significance of the mixed ideology observed in some of the recent terrorism-related incidents?

The mixed ideology, such as individuals being influenced by both extreme left and right-wing ideologies, signifies a complex and broad threat landscape where people are turning to violence as a solution from diverse ideological backgrounds.

How has the role of social media contributed to the radicalization of individuals, especially the youth?

Social media has played a significant role in the rapid radicalization of individuals, including the youth, by providing easy access to extremist content and allowing them to connect with like-minded individuals without the moderating influences of community and school environments.

What is the role of the community, including parents and educators, in addressing the issue of radicalization?

The community, including parents, caregivers, educators, and everyday people, has a responsibility to be aware of what captivates young people online and to intervene when necessary. It is crucial to understand and manage the potential dangers of unsupervised internet usage.

What is the current assessment of Sunni violent extremism in Australia, and how does it factor into the threat landscape?

While Sunni violent extremism represents a small number of individuals with a perverse view of Islam, it is a factor in the current threat environment. However, it is not the sole reason for the raised Threat Level, as there is an equal mix of religious and broader ideological motivations.

What is the definition of 'accelerationists', and how do they fit into the current extremist landscape?

Accelerationists are individuals with a far-right ideology, often neo-Nazis or further extreme, who believe in white supremacy and wish for societal downfall to return to what they believe is the rightful order. They are part of the extremist landscape, sharing information on how to conduct attacks or disrupt societal functions.

How does the conflict in Gaza indirectly impact the threat level, and what is the role of protests in this context?

The conflict in Gaza indirectly impacts the threat level by driving emotional protests and division. While peaceful protests are part of lawful dissent, the potential for spontaneous violence and the normalization of violence for political objectives are concerning.

What is the responsibility of politicians and the media in the current security environment, especially regarding language and reporting?

Politicians and the media have a significant role in being careful with their language and reporting to avoid inflaming tensions and leading to violence. They should lead by example in promoting calm and responsible discourse.

Are there active Hamas or Hezbollah groups plotting in Australia, and what is the stance on foreign interference and espionage?

There are no active Hamas or Hezbollah groups plotting in Australia. However, there are individuals who may be sympathetic and supportive, which is illegal and will be dealt with by authorities. Foreign interference and espionage remain principal security concerns, with the agency working to identify and address these threats.