Ex-ASIO Source Denied Visa to Testify at Royal Commission

Government

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 4:39 am

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:55 am

Marcus met the Akrams while working for ASIO in Sydney's Islamic State network.

In brief:

A former ASIO agent who infiltrated Islamic State networks in Sydney has been denied a visa to give evidence to the Bondi royal commission.

The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion wants to hear from Marcus.

What's next?

Federal MPs want the government to grant Marcus a visa so he can testify.

The royal commission may not hear evidence from an ex-ASIO source due to a denied visa.

Marcus warned ASIO about the Akram brothers six years before the Bondi attack.

The royal commission wants to take Marcus's evidence about intelligence agencies before the Bondi attack.

A letter from the royal commission was sent to Australian immigration authorities.

Police failed to make Melbourne's Jewish community feel safe from rising hate speech.

The royal commission wants to hear Marcus's evidence.

Marcus's information is relevant to the royal commission's investigation.

Marcus lives overseas after ASIO stopped supporting his permanent residency in 2023.

The royal commission needs to hear Marcus's evidence in a secure location.

Marcus applied for a visitor visa because he cannot get to an Australian embassy.

The Department of Home Affairs doubts Marcus will stay temporarily in Australia.

Marcus's lawyers say he cannot testify outside Australia due to legal and safety concerns.

Marcus's visa application was rejected because he may not intend to stay temporarily.

Marcus has asked Australia for protection and resettlement before.

The Home Affairs Minister's office referred inquiries to the royal commission.

The royal commission will not comment on its engagement with Marcus.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the government is not stopping Marcus from testifying.

The royal commission should decide how to hear Marcus's evidence.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam suggests Marcus could testify remotely.

The government should explain why Marcus's visa was denied or find a way to grant one.

If necessary, efforts should be made for Marcus to come to Australia and testify.

Political support

Marcus told Four Corners the Bondi attack resulted from errors and disregard for information by intelligence agencies.

ASIO rejected Marcus's claims, calling him unreliable and disgruntled.

ASIO said Marcus misidentified Naveed Akram, making his claims untrue.

Marcus says ASIO's claims are false and unsubstantiated.

Marcus spent years as a paid human source for ASIO, infiltrating Sydney's Islamic State network.

Allegra Spender urges the government to ensure Marcus can give evidence.

Marcus's relationship with ASIO ended in 2022 after his cover was blown and he faced charges.

Several federal politicians back Marcus's case, urging the government to facilitate his return.

Independent MP Allegra Spender raised the issue with the home affairs minister.

The government should assist in ensuring Marcus can give evidence safely.

Independent senator David Pocock says a visa issue should not prevent the royal commission from hearing evidence.

The royal commission should hear from every relevant source, including Marcus.

Whether Marcus's evidence is true is for the commission to decide, not the visa process.

Jewish leaders have given evidence to the royal commission about security concerns for synagogues.

Greens senator David Shoebridge says the royal commission's priorities should come first.

The public interest lies in having Marcus give essential information before the royal commission.

If Marcus applies for a protection visa, it's a cost the public would be willing to pay.

ASIO says it's up to the royal commission to decide if Marcus should give evidence.

ASIO will support the royal commission's decisions on witness appearances.

Support from whistleblower advocates

Whistleblower advocates support Marcus's case and are willing to cover his financial costs in Australia.

Gabriel Shipton, founder of the Information Network, is surprised by the visa rejection.

The royal commission wants to hear from Marcus, but the government won't let him in.

Gabriel Shipton says Marcus's claims are clearly of interest to the royal commission.

The Information Network helps support Marcus while he lives abroad.

Mr Shipton says Marcus's claims are relevant to the royal commission.

The most important thing is for Marcus to give his testimony as a source.

The Information Rights Project will cover Marcus's financial costs.

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