Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that a former ASIO agent named Marcus can testify at the Bondi royal commission in open hearings. The testimony from Marcus, who is seeking a visa to return to Australia, could potentially be given over the phone after being declassified by ASIO. No specific timeline for when this will happen is mentioned in the article. Burke's confirmation follows advocacy from supporters of Marcus that he should give evidence in person on Australian soil due to its sensitivity.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-21,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that former ASIO agent Marcus can give testimony to the Bondi royal commission in open hearings, despite initially seeking a visa to return to Australia to do so. Marcus, who has been trying to get back into the country, argued that his evidence about the Bondi gunmen was too sensitive to be heard elsewhere. Burke says that ASIO has declassified Marcus' evidence and it could be given over the phone, but advocates for Marcus believe it's still safer for him to testify in person in Australia.
Written for “ASIO Agent Testimony” on 2026-08-31,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
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No political leaning scored for article 1668 · logged 2026-08-31
Ex-ASIO agent can give evidence to Bondi royal commission in open hearings, minister confirms
In short
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says he's been advised by domestic spy agency ASIO that one of its former agents can give evidence to the Bondi royal commission in public.
The former agent, known as Marcus, has been seeking a visa to return to Australia, arguing his evidence about the Bondi gunmen must be heard on Australian soil due to its sensitivity.
What's next?
Mr Burke says his evidence is declassified and could be heard over the phone, but advocates for the former agent say the safest option remains for him to give evidence in Australia.
uncertain
him → give → Australia