In a startling revelation earlier today, The Daily Telegraph disclosed that two calls made to the National Security Hotline in 2007 and 2024 regarding Sajid Akram were not relayed to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). This revelation has raised questions about the communication protocols within the agencies tasked with safeguarding national security.
Akram, who was fatally shot by police, had been involved in a shooting incident. His alleged partner in crime and son, Naveed, is now facing legal proceedings. The case has cast a spotlight on the effectiveness of existing counter-terrorism measures.
Speaking with 2GB radio, Minns expressed his concern about the implications of these oversights. He emphasized the need to avoid sending a misleading message to the public about the efficacy of current anti-terrorism frameworks.
“It’s evident we experienced a significant lapse in law enforcement and intelligence in December of last year, one that necessitates immediate correction and improvement,” Minns stated. However, he was quick to reassure the public, adding, “I also don’t want people to think that there is no communication happening between agencies.”
He highlighted that these agencies operate with advanced technology and have a track record of past successes. Despite the current challenges, Minns conveyed confidence in the capabilities and collaborative nature of law enforcement bodies.
“These are law enforcement agencies that work with sophisticated technology and have had success in the past.Â
“You often don’t read about it because they’ve acted before someone’s committed a horrible terrorism event.”
He said the failure to share the alleged pieces of intelligence with ASIO was more likely because it “slipped through the cracks” rather than a malicious effort to withhold key information.
“I think there’s parts of the intelligence and counter-terrorism architecture that need to be examined, and they need to be examined by the Royal Commission, and we need to make sure that we’re learning from the mistakes that have been made,” Minns said.
“But I’m not going to say it’s broken, I don’t want to send the message out today that if people have suspicions or concerns about something in their community, then they should contact authorities.
“I don’t want the good work of those senior police officers and hard-working intelligence agencies just washed away.”
