ASIO briefing warns that the far-right is exploiting coronavirus to recruit new members

Right-wing extremists now make up around a third of all domestic ASIO investigations, with the spy agency warning that the far-right is using COVID-19 as cover to push its dangerous ideas and recruit new members. Key points: An ASIO threat assessment sent to security professionals last month says COVID-19 has reinforced extreme right-wing belief in the collapse of society ASIO tells the ABC right-wing groups and individuals "represent a serious, increasing and evolving threat to security" Race Commissioner Chin Tan says a national racism strategy is needed to curb extremism The number of domestic ASIO investigations into far-right individuals is now second only to Sunni extremists. In late May, right-wing extremist Nick Folkes encouraged people to attend a "Wake Up Australia" rally in Sydney on his social media account. A letter from WA Police in May said: "Social media posts, particularly from the more extreme right-wing groups, continue to reflect an anti-China narrative." "While the threat of violence inspired by Islamic extremism remains ASIO's greatest concern, extreme right-wing groups and individuals represent a serious, increasing and evolving threat to security," the agency said.