Lead

A former ASIO agent known as Marcus has made a renewed attempt to return to Australia and give evidence to the royal commission investigating the Bondi terror attack, after his previous visa application was rejected. The commission, formally known as the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, has indicated it wants to take Marcus's testimony as part of its inquiry into the actions of intelligence and security agencies before the attack.

Marcus has lived overseas for several years and has expressed significant concerns about his personal security. He has now re-submitted his visa application, his solicitors told the ABC, after the Department of Home Affairs turned down his earlier bid.

Coverage Comparison

Both ABC reports describe Marcus as a former undercover agent who warned ASIO about Sajid and Naveed Akram six years before the Bondi shooting. He has also been contacted by NSW Police, who are investigating the December attack, about assisting their inquiries. One report notes that police reached out to Marcus following his appearance on the ABC's Four Corners program.

Marcus has spent several years as a paid human source for ASIO after being recruited from his home in the Middle East. He has sought assistance from Australia for protection and resettlement in the past.

The Department of Home Affairs rejected his previous application, stating it was "not satisfied the applicant has a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia." His solicitors have said Marcus would prefer to assist police in person in Australia due to security concerns and the sensitivity of the information he intends to provide.

Key Claims

  • Marcus has re-submitted his visa application to return to Australia.
  • He has previously said he warned ASIO about the Bondi gunmen years before the attack.
  • The royal commission has told Marcus it wants to take his evidence.
  • NSW Police have contacted Marcus about assisting their inquiries.
  • His previous visa application was rejected by Australian immigration authorities.
  • The royal commission would need to hear his evidence in a secure location due to its classified nature.

Perspectives

The royal commission, through correspondence seen by the ABC, has said it remains "eager to facilitate a practical way" of receiving Marcus's evidence, noting the information he has outlined "clearly and directly engages the Royal Commission's terms of reference."

ASIO, however, has described Marcus as "unreliable and disgruntled," a characterisation Marcus rejects. His solicitors have argued that participating in the royal commission from outside Australia would leave him without certain legal protections under Australian law, and Marcus is concerned about safety risks should he give evidence from his current location.