Top intelligence officials axed from national security committee

The Albanese government has removed two of Australia’s most senior intelligence bosses from a top security body. ASIO Director General Mike Burgess and ASIS Director General Kerri Hartland have been removed from the National Security Committee of Cabinet. Sky News Australia understands the director generals will be invited on a case-by-case basis but have both been removed as permanent members. The Coalition has criticised the move, with Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson urging the government to “reverse this reckless decision urgently”. It comes after Mr Burgess uncovered bombshell revelations that a former MP had “sold out” Australia after being recruited by a sophisticated foreign intelligence network.