Ex-ASIO operative seeks to testify on Bondi attack from abroad after visa refusals
A former ASIO officer, identified only as Marcus, has offered to give evidence to the Bondi royal commission from overseas after two visa applications were denied.
Former ASIO operative Marcus claims he alerted the agency to the individuals later responsible for the Bondi Hannukah shooting well before the December attack. After being denied two visas on the basis that he might not leave Australia, he now proposes to testify from abroad. Commissioner Virginia Bell has liaised with his solicitors and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to set up a secure remote link, though she warns that open hearings could jeopardise ongoing criminal proceedings.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says ASIO has no objections to his evidence, but the commission will keep it confidential. Marcus also intends to cooperate with NSW Police investigations. Advocate Gabriel Shipton of the Information Rights Project stresses the need for safeguards to protect Marcus from prosecution and ensure his testimony complies with foreign laws.
Why it matters
The testimony could reveal intelligence failures that preceded a high-profile terror attack.
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