Federal Labor welcomes the announcement today of Mike Burgess as the new Director-General of Security for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
We congratulate Mr Burgess on his appointment and thank the outgoing Director-General, Mr Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC for his dedication and service.
Mr Burgess is a respected Commonwealth intelligence official, with highly relevant national security experience both in the public service and the private sector.
ASIO plays an important role in keeping Australians safe. As the leader of ASIO, Mr Burgess will be central to upholding Australia’s national security interests and the safety and security of the Australian people at home and abroad.
This is also a position which requires fine judgement in balancing the individual rights and way of life of Australians with those security imperatives.
We have every confidence that Mr Burgess will discharge those obligations with distinction. He has our support and we look forward to working with him as the Opposition plays its role in working together with the government on matters of national security.