The country's top spy has put three nations on notice after sensationally revealing there was a "realistic possibility" a foreign government would attempt an assassination on Australian soil.

The trio were not directly named by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director-general Mike Burgess in the 2025 Lowy Lecture on Tuesday night.

But identifying them may not have been necessary.

"The countries that I didn't mention by name know who I'm talking about," he said in conversation with Lowy Institute executive director Michael Fullilove.

"We know who they are.

"By mentioning them publicly I'm also putting them on notice that we know some of you are prepared to do this and we will do our damnedest to stop it before it happens."

During his speech, Mr Burgess said the degrading

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