ASIO cut counterterrorism funding share to post-9/11 low before Bondi
Australia's intelligence agency ASIO has reduced its counterterrorism funding to the lowest level since the September 11 attacks. This decision was made despite warnings of a probable terrorist attack and rising antisemitic violence. ASIO's director-general is set to face scrutiny regarding this funding cut during upcoming royal commission hearings.
- ▪ASIO cut counterterrorism funding to its lowest share since 2001 before the Bondi attack.
- ▪The agency's resources were redirected towards espionage and foreign interference threats, particularly from China.
- ▪ASIO's counterterrorism funding fell to levels similar to those before the September 11 attacks.
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| Original publisher | ABC News (Australia) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-22/asio-counterterrorism-funding-share-shrunk-before-bondi-attack/106706676 |
| Publication time | Thu, 21 May 2026 18:33:54 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-21T18:56:35.671Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-21T18:56:35.671Z |
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ASIO cut counterterrorism funding share to post-9/11 low before Bondi attackExclusive by Sean Rubinsztein-DunlopABC InvestigationsTopic:Security IntelligenceFri 22 May 2026 at 4:33amFri 22 May 2026 at 4:33amFri 22 May 2026 at 4:33amASIO director-general Mike Burgess is expected to appear at the next block of royal commission hearings. (AAP: Mick Tsikas)In short:Before the Bondi attack, Australia's intelligence agencies slashed funding for counterterrorism to its lowest proportion since September 11, 2001, the ABC can reveal.The ABC understands classified figures show spy organisation ASIO shrunk counterterrorism resourcing, despite its forecasts of a probable terrorist attack and antisemitic violence.What's next?ASIO chief Mike Burgess is expected to face questioning about the adequacy of…
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