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AAP
AAP
Politics
Tess Ikonomou

ASIO boss argues comments on Gaza visas 'distorted'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has total confidence in spy chief Mike Burgess. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's spy chief insists his comments about security checks for people fleeing Gaza have been misrepresented, fanning a fresh political firestorm.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess courted controversy after saying if people escaping the conflict expressed "just rhetorical support" for Hamas, but didn't back a violent ideology, they wouldn't automatically be barred from entering Australia.

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