A shred of extra detail has emerged in a spy scandal started by ASIO boss Mike Burgess. 

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director general recently revealed the recruitment of a former politician by a foreign espionage network.

The revelation caused widespread calls for more detail, with many suggesting that scores of former politicians were unduly besmirched by the vague allegations. 

In response, Mr Burgess has given up another tidbit, saying that the unidentified politician was brought into the covert operation while serving in parliament, and that their recruitment occurred before 2018. 

Burgess has refrained from revealing the identity of the politician or the foreign state involved, saying his objective was to alert the public to the dangers of political interference rather than casting aspersions on individuals. 

The controversy has taken a further twist with Paul Keating, a former Prime Minister, unleashing a critique not just on the handling of the espionage saga but also on the broader posture of Australian foreign policy. 

Keating accused Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Burgess of exacerbating tensions with China, highlighting a disconnect between Australia's stance and the strategic interests of the ASEAN bloc.

At the same time, the ASIO chief has defended the organisation's integrity in the face of criticism over an unrelated case involving a covert operation targeting a minor.