‘Mind-blowingly stupid’: Asio chief criticises News Corp’s alleged attempt to provoke Middle Eastern cafe staff

Comments at Senate estimates came after Daily Telegraph editor said it never intended to provoke an incident' but approach could have been better-handled'

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Australia's domestic spy chief has criticised an alleged attempt by News Corp staff to provoke workers at a Middle Eastern restaurant into making prejudicial comments as mind-blowingly stupid" and unhelpful" during a Senate estimates hearing.

Police were called to the popular Cairo Takeaway in the Sydney suburb of Newtown earlier this month after a confrontation involving the venue's staff, a team from News Corp Australia and a man wearing a Star of David cap.

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