Burke’s Secret FBI Chief Meeting in Sydney Stirs Debate

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke’s undisclosed dinner with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel in Sydney has stirred controversy, with critics demanding transparency over the secretive visit.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed he dined with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel in Sydney on July 27, 2025, during an unpublicized visit that caught the attention of political observers. The meeting, which included Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw, was not disclosed by either the Australian or United States governments until the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) inquired, prompting Burke to acknowledge the event. The lack of transparency has fueled criticism, particularly from the Greens, who question the motives behind keeping the dinner under wraps.

Patel, a polarizing figure appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, was in Sydney en route to New Zealand to open a new FBI office in Wellington, aimed at strengthening ties within the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. Burke described the meeting as a productive discussion focused on shared security priorities, including counterterrorism, child protection, and drug interception. “The security relationship with the U.S. is strong, and cooperation keeps Australians safe,” Burke told ABC Radio National, defending the secrecy for “simple security reasons.”

However, Greens Senator David Shoebridge criticized the Labor government’s handling of the visit, calling for greater openness. “The minister wanted his meeting with a defender of January 6 rioters kept secret,” Shoebridge said, referencing Patel’s controversial stance on the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack. The Greens argue that the public deserves clarity when high-profile figures like Patel, known for his vocal support of Trump and criticism of the FBI’s past operations, meet with Australian officials.

Burke emphasized the importance of maintaining robust ties with the U.S., stating that national security outweighs political posturing. The dinner, held in Sydney, was part of broader discussions on transnational crime and intelligence cooperation. While Patel’s visit to Australia was brief, it underscores the ongoing strategic partnership within the Five Eyes framework. The controversy highlights tensions between transparency and security, leaving questions about how much the public should know about such high-level engagements.