Radio Australia
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Australia's domestic spy agency ASIO says violent jihadist ideology still poses the greatest threat to Australia.
ASIO's annual report says terrorism remains a real threat and warns some Australians are being drawn into conflicts in the Middle East.
The report says ongoing wars - particularly the war in Afghanistan - continues to motivate Australia-based extremists and that some Australians are being drawn to violent conflicts in countries like Lebanon, Syria and Somalia.
The report mentions the violence in Syria, saying it increases the chance of communal violence in Australia, particularly as some people are actively promoting hatred here.
Despite the threats the report says a lack of money means it may have to cut staff numbers.
ASIO's staff numbers have almost tripled this decade but the agency now says budget pressures means that growth will now end.
In 2000 the agency had 584 staff members, but it has now got more than 1,700.
A 2005 review recommended ASIO should have 1860 staff members.
But the agency's annual report says budget pressures mean it can no longer reach that target, and staff reductions may be necessary.
It says it has also had to reduce the scope of ASIO's international engagement.
The annual report also says the agency's new headquarters in Canberra has gone $41 million over budget - a 7 per cent overrun.