Ex-Aussie MP Worked As Spy For "Hostile" Country

A former Australian politician "sold out" the country to a foreign spy network, the nation's intelligence chief has alleged in a speech, Tiffanie Turnbull reported for BBC News.

ASIO chief Mike Burgess claimed the MP had offered it access to the then-prime minister's family. I Photo: ASIO X

Outlining the activities of the group dubbed the "A-Team," Australian Security and Intelligence Organization (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess claimed the MP had offered it access to the then-prime minister's family.

He did not name the person or the country they worked with but said the plot had unfolded "several years ago."

The claim has rocked Canberra, with some calling for the MP to be unmasked. Last year, Australia dismantled a Chinese espionage network and scuttled a Russian spy ring.

While delivering his annual threat assessment in the capital on Wednesday, the Australian Security and Intelligence Organization (ASIO) chief said the now disbanded A-Team was an "aggressive and experienced" foreign intelligence network that had identified 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 said.

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