An assassination attempt on Australian soil is a real possibility as foreign governments have grown more willing to do harm, the nation's intelligence boss has warned.

At least three nations are willing and capable of attempting an assassination in Australia, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director-general Mike Burgess revealed at the 2025 Lowy Lecture on Tuesday night.

"There is a realistic possibility a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a perceived dissident in Australia," he said.

"This threat is real."

The spy chief stressed he was referring to assassination "attempts" and said ASIO was working around the clock against these threats.

Though he did not name those nations, Mr Burgess pointed to ways regimes have already taken aim at Australia.

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