Burgess has significant experience across intelligence and cyber security having previously served as a member of the federal government’s Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board, deputy director for cyber and information security at the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) and as chief information security officer at Telstra. 

The joint media release from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said, "We congratulate Mr Burgess on his appointment to this vital role at a time when Australia faces an unprecedented level of complex emerging threats at home and abroad.

"He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of Australia’s national information, intelligence and security landscape gained through many years of experience spanning public service and private industry."

Burgess will assume the role from outgoing Director-General Duncan Lewis, AO, DSC, CSC on 15 September 2019.

The government thanked and congratulated Lewis for his distinguished career dedicated to protecting Australians and their interests at home and abroad.

In addition to his leadership at ASIO, Lewis has served in senior military and civilian roles including commanding Australian Special Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, secretary of the Department of Defence and as Australia’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO.

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The joint release said, "We wish Mr Lewis and his family every success in their future endeavours."

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.