Australian Spy Chief Warns of ‘State-Sanctioned Trolls’ Fueling Division and Violence
Australia’s top intelligence official has warned that foreign operatives and extremist groups are exploiting domestic unrest to undermine social cohesion and democracy, as disinformation and polarization surge across Western nations.
In a major national security address at Sydney’s Lowy Institute, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the agency is tracking “state-sanctioned trolls” — including pro-Russian social media influencers — who are deliberately amplifying anti-immigration and pro-Palestinian protests to stoke anger and division.
“These state-sanctioned trolls are more than propaganda puppets,” Burgess said. “They want to turn hot-button issues into burning issues — tipping disagreement into division, and division into violence.”
Foreign Interference and Online Manipulation
Burgess said ASIO is investigating influencers linked to a Russian-based media organization that is spreading polarizing narratives online — attacking Australia’s support for Ukraine while also fanning the flames of domestic protests over immigration and the Middle East conflict.
He warned that social media algorithms are being exploited to intensify extremism, saying the feedback loop between outrage and online engagement was creating what he called “real-world aggro-rhythms.”
“Grievance, intolerance, polarization and rhetoric feed on themselves,” Burgess said. “We risk seeing online hatred spill over into physical violence.”
Neo-Nazis and Extremist Groups Exploiting Protests
The ASIO chief said far-right groups such as the National Socialist Network have also tried to capitalize on cost-of-living and anti-immigration rallies around the country, using them as recruitment grounds and propaganda opportunities.
Burgess described their involvement as part of a broader extremist ecosystem being fueled by both domestic and foreign agitators.
Iran’s Role in Antisemitic Attacks
Burgess also revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil earlier this year — incidents carried out through local intermediaries.
“Iran did not single Australia out,” Burgess said. “The summer of antisemitism was part of its global effort to ferment hatred of the Jewish community and fan the flames of division.”
Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador in August after confirming Tehran’s involvement.
Assassination Threats and National Security Risks
In a stark warning, Burgess said ASIO believes there is a “realistic possibility” that a foreign government could attempt an assassination of a dissident or critic on Australian soil.
“We believe there are at least three nations willing and capable of conducting lethal targeting here,” he said, declining to name them.
Resilience Amid Rising Threats
Despite the escalating risks, Burgess said Australia’s compulsory voting system, social welfare safety net, and strong economy continue to help stabilize society against the pull of extremism.
He urged Australians to remain vigilant, critical of online information, and united in the face of attempts to fracture democratic discourse.
“Community cohesion is under attack in an unprecedented way,” he said. “But the greatest defence against disinformation is an informed, resilient public.”