The best terrorism menace to Australia stays a ‘lone wolf’.
As extremism fueled by COVID-19 conspiracy theories fades together with pandemic restrictions, the hazard from a sole operative stays actual in keeping with Australia’s safety company.
Proper-wing extremism used to account for about 50 per cent of the Australian Safety Intelligence Group’s caseload, however dropped to 30 per cent since lockdowns and mandates eased.
ASIO head Mike Burgess stated a lot of the 30 per cent is “nationalist and racist, violent extremism”.
“A few of that feeling does dwell on, however the variety of circumstances we have been , they’ve lowered considerably,” he advised a parliamentary listening to on Monday.
Extremist teams used mandates and COVID conspiracy theories to try to recruit members, however solely had restricted success, Mr Burgess stated.
“Would I say it was a bumper marketing campaign for them? Most likely not.
“However there’s nonetheless some volatility in that blend, with individuals who have a variety of grievances.”
Religiously motivated extremists make up the vast majority of the division’s workload, with Sunni Islam the “precept concern within the terrorism house”.
The company was additionally questioned on why extra proper wing nationalist teams weren’t recognized as terrorist organizations in Australia regardless of being listed in New Zealand, Canada and France.
Mr Burgess stated there’s a excessive bar to ban an organisation.
“That group have to be various issues, together with advocating and conducting acts of terrorism,” he stated.
Mr Burgess stated whereas conspiracy theorists and extremists have been getting ready for the downfall of society, “they’re doing little or no to deliver that on”.
“So when you’ve got a gaggle that’s of any ideology, together with nationalist and racist international extremism, if they are not advocating acts of terrorism as outlined underneath legislation, then they can’t be listed,” he stated.
“(However) we do not want somebody listed to analyze.”
