Top Spy Chiefs Axed From Peak Security Body Leading up to CCP Foreign Minister’s Visit

The centre-left Labor government has removed the bosses of Australia’s domestic and foreign spy agencies from their permanent roles in the National Security Committee (NSC), a decision that could impact the effectiveness of the country’s intelligence services. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) since 2019, had consistently raised alarm bells about the threat of foreign interference and espionage. Revelations of the contentious move come just two days before Beijing’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, is scheduled to visit Australia for the first time in seven years. Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also formally invited Beijing’s Premier Li Keqiang to come to Canberra later this year....