CANBERRA, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The newly-appointed chief of Australia's national security agency has promised to undertake a digital overhaul to counter growing foreign interference.
Mike Burgess, the boss of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), was on Thursday announced as the new head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Speaking after being appointed, he told reporters on Thursday evening that he will lead a transformation of the agency, increasing the use of sophisticated technology and ramping-up counter-intelligence operations.
"My role will be to continue that important work to identify foreign interference and espionage to make sure Australians and Australia's way of life is secure," Burgess said.
Burgess was chosen to replace outgoing ASIO chief Duncan Lewis by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton, because of his experience running the ASD - Australia's cyber intelligence agency.
A 2017 review of ASIO recommended that the spy agency make better use of the technology available.
The appointment was also welcomed by Anthony Albanese, leader of the opposition Australian Labor Party.
Lewis, a former Major General in the Australian Army who also served as Australia's ambassador to NATO and as head of the Department of Defence, announced his retirement in July.
Burgess will take the reins on Sept. 15.
