The head of Australia’s national security service and intelligence agency said it was vital that the security service of a liberal democracy is transparent and trusted. In his annual threat assessment speech, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO) Director-General, Mike Burgess, described his vision to push the organisation to become more transparent. “ASIO protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. Our ability to deliver our mission requires us to maintain the confidence and trust of our stakeholders, including the Australian people,” he said. “I believe this imposes a responsibility on ASIO to be as open as possible about what the organisation does, and why we do it.” Burgess said he became more committed to transparency after the Defence Signals Directorate was falsely accused of an illegal act. While the allegations were later proven to be false, the damage to reputation and confidence had been done. “The affair taught me …