‘Words matter’: ASIO warns social cohesion at risk

ASIO boss Mike Burgess has warned politicians and others against inflaming religious and racial tensions on the back of the war in Israel, saying social cohesion was at risk.

In a statement issued on the back of escalating political rhetoric, and police reports of threats of violence against Jews from radical members of the pro-Palestinian community, Mr Burgess said his agency was concerned about the “potential for opportunistic violence with little or no warning”.