July 24, 2024
Australian spy chief Mike Burgess has been reinstated as a permanent member of the National Security Committee after initially being removed just six months into the Albanese government’s first term.
Sky News can reveal Labor has backflipped on its decision for the ASIO Director-General to only consult on national security matters on a case-by case-basis, restoring his permanent position.
It’s understood this change was made only recently and comes amid an explosion in espionage and foreign interference in Australia.
The Albanese government was roundly criticized for initially diluting Mr Burgess’ contribution to the grouping, which makes decisions on the most urgent and highest risk national security matters, although it never publicly confirmed the change.
A heavily redacted freedom of information request, obtained by Sky News, shows the change happened as early as January of last year.
The FOI shows the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus wrote to Mr Burgess on January 9, 2023, thanking him for his contribution.
“On behalf of the Prime Minister, I want to thank you for your contributions to this committee throughout 2022,” he wrote.
“I look forward to your contribution through co-option to relevant matters at this committee as they arise in the future.”
Under the decision, both Mr Burgess and Australian Secret Intelligence Service Director-General Kerri Hartlan were officially removed as permanent members.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson told Sky News the backflip was an admission of guilt by the government.
“The Albanese Government should never have removed any of our intelligence agency heads from the national security committee,” he said.
“It’s welcome they have finally come to their senses although only after their recklessness was publicly exposed. Our national security has been damaged by this episode and the Prime Minister should take responsibility, publicly explain his change of heart, and apologise.”
Just last month Mr Burgess was reappointed Director-General of Security and will serve an additional five-year term.
Under the Coalition, the head of ASIO and ASIS were permanent members of the National Security Committee of Cabinet - giving classified advice on issues affecting our security and sovereignty.
Labor will now follow suit.
