ASIO chief warns of foreign interference from 'friendly' nations

Mike Burgess delivers chilling speech

Former politician accused of selling out Australia

Australians would be "shocked" to learn that some of the countries attempting to interfere in our affairs are considered friends, according to the nation's spy chief.

Mike Burgess, the Director-General of Security, made the comments in a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday.

He said that foreign interference was a "real and growing threat" to Australia's security.

"We are seeing foreign powers using a range of methods to try to influence our political system, our economy, and our society," Mr Burgess said.

"These efforts are often subtle and difficult to detect, but they can have a real impact on our national interests."

Mr Burgess did not name any specific countries, but he said that the threat was coming from "a range of different nations, including some that we would consider to be friends."

"This is not a new phenomenon," he said. "Foreign powers have been trying to influence Australia for centuries."

"But what is new is the scale and sophistication of these efforts."

Mr Burgess said that ASIO was working closely with other government agencies to counter foreign interference.

"We are also working with our international partners to share information and develop new strategies to combat this threat," he said.

"But ultimately, it is up to all of us to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities."

Mr Burgess's speech comes after a former Australian politician was accused of selling out the country to a foreign spy network.

The former politician, who has not been named, is alleged to have provided classified information to a foreign power.

The allegations are being investigated by ASIO.