Australia's social cohesion is deteriorating, marked by increasing antisemitic incidents, political violence, and misinformation. Intelligence chief Mike Burgess warned of heightened espionage and foreign activity as the nation strengthens military alliances under the AUKUS pact. The rise in incidents targeting Jewish Australians, including attacks on synagogues and vandalism, signals a troubling trend of intolerance. Additionally, contrasting reactions to antisemitism and Islamophobia raise concerns. Burgess's speech points to significant geopolitical challenges reminiscent of past decades that threaten the country’s foundational values.
"Many of the foundations that have underpinned Australia's security, prosperity and democracy are being tested," Burgess noted in his annual address, highlighting the convergence of various threats.
"Australia is facing multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent and cascading threats. Major geopolitical, economic, social and security challenges... have converged," Burgess commented.
The speech comes as antisemitic incidents, including threats and violent acts against Jewish Australians, surge, highlighting a worrying trend of intolerance in the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned a recent incident involving nurses threatening Israeli patients, calling it 'sickening and shameful'.
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