Mike Burgess said that the MP had given the “A-Team” access to the then-prime minister’s family, detailing the group’s actions.
Although he did not identify the individual or the nation they collaborated with, he claimed that the plot had developed “several years ago”.
The MP’s mask should be removed, according to some, after the claim shook Canberra.
The head of Australia’s Security and Intelligence Organization (Asio), speaking on Wednesday during his annual threat assessment in the nation’s capital, described the now-dissolved A-Team as a “aggressive and experienced” foreign intelligence network that had designated Australia as a “priority target”.
“The spies pose as consultants, head-hunters, local government officials, academics and think tank researchers, claiming to be from fictional companies,” he stated.
Mr. Burgess stated that they offered to pay thousands of dollars for reports on a variety of subjects, including commerce, politics, foreign policy, and defense. They specifically targeted students, academics, legislators, businesses, law enforcement, and public workers. He said that information about the Aukus defense deal, which Australia signed with the US and the UK, was especially interesting.
