Overview

• Australia's domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, has sparked controversy by alleging a former Australian politician was recruited by foreign spies, leading to calls for the individual's identity to be revealed.
• Former treasurer Joe Hockey criticizes ASIO for not naming the accused politician, arguing it creates distrust among allies and smears all former and current politicians.
• ASIO's annual threat assessment also highlights concerns over sabotage attempts on critical infrastructure and the activities of a foreign spy group known as 'The A-Team'.
• Alex Turnbull, son of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, reveals he may have been targeted by the espionage attempt but there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on his part.
• The controversy has led to a debate on the balance between transparency and security, with some officials supporting ASIO's decision not to name the accused for legal and strategic reasons.