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Axis of Deceit: The Extraordinary Story of an Australian Whistleblower
In the 2010 federal election, independent candidate Andrew Wilkie grabbed headlines after winning the seat of Denison, and with it a key role in deciding who would form the next government of Australia. Before he was a politician, however, Wilkie was Australia’s most talked-about whistleblower.
In March 2003, Wilkie resigned from Australia’s peak intelligence agency in protest over the looming war in Iraq. He was the only serving intelligence officer from the ‘coalition of the willing’ – the US, the UK and Australia – to do so, and his dramatic move was reported throughout the world.
Wilkie’s act of conscience put him on a collision course with the Australian government. Why was he willing to risk his career and reputation to tell the truth? What happened when he decided to take a stand? In Axis of Deceit, Wilkie tells his story. He exposes how governments skewed, spun and fabricated intelligence advice. And he offers a rare glimpse into the world of international intelligence and life as a spook. With a brand-new preface, this is the fascinating inside story of a man now set to play a pivotal role in our public life.
In March 2003, Wilkie resigned from Australia’s peak intelligence agency in protest over the looming war in Iraq. He was the only serving intelligence officer from the ‘coalition of the willing’ – the US, the UK and Australia – to do so, and his dramatic move was reported throughout the world.
Wilkie’s act of conscience put him on a collision course with the Australian government. Why was he willing to risk his career and reputation to tell the truth? What happened when he decided to take a stand? In Axis of Deceit, Wilkie tells his story. He exposes how governments skewed, spun and fabricated intelligence advice. And he offers a rare glimpse into the world of international intelligence and life as a spook. With a brand-new preface, this is the fascinating inside story of a man now set to play a pivotal role in our public life.
207 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Want to Read
August 10, 2016Real-life Le Carre.
So good I asked him to come twice speak to our School for Seniors group
So good I asked him to come twice speak to our School for Seniors group
Want to Read
June 23, 2011As the blurb for this says, of the entire Coalition of the Willing, he was the only Intelligence Officer to resign, let alone spill the beans. This is the story of the hows, wheres and whys of the fabrication of the reasons for war with Iraq.
He has subsequently become a federal MP, one of the Independents whom Gillard must charm to stay in power. It isn't working all that well. I'm most uneasy about his present crusade which threatens to bring down the government one way or another. The principle is admirable: to save gambling addicts from themselves through an assault on poker machines. If he were willing to go all the way: ban them completely, I can see that might work. But nobody, not even a man so innured to hostile opposition as he is, is brave enough to try that on, in a country which I think has the highest rates of gambling in the world. Those making the money from gambling addiction wield much weight.
Meanwhile, Gillard has a deadline, having agreed to Wilke's demands in order to set up government. She is truly between a rock and a hard place.
He has subsequently become a federal MP, one of the Independents whom Gillard must charm to stay in power. It isn't working all that well. I'm most uneasy about his present crusade which threatens to bring down the government one way or another. The principle is admirable: to save gambling addicts from themselves through an assault on poker machines. If he were willing to go all the way: ban them completely, I can see that might work. But nobody, not even a man so innured to hostile opposition as he is, is brave enough to try that on, in a country which I think has the highest rates of gambling in the world. Those making the money from gambling addiction wield much weight.
Meanwhile, Gillard has a deadline, having agreed to Wilke's demands in order to set up government. She is truly between a rock and a hard place.
September 12, 2010
A clear analysis of who was lying to us about the case for war with Iraq. We need more people like Andrew Wilkie in the world. Hurray for Andrew!
May 10, 2012
A great, political read which just reinforces my views on conservative politics
June 4, 2026
Strong representation of high politics in Canberra at a time of lies, deception and unregulated deference to the US. Following the Howard corruption of the Timor (Jakarta lobby) theatre, Lt Col Lance Collins was dismissed for truth-telling. This book highlights the price for honour, integrity and truth in a time of neoliberal coalitionism.
August 23, 2018
It’s a long painful report. I have just skimmed past the rest 2/3 of this book.
An esoteric piece of work.
An esoteric piece of work.
August 29, 2022
After all these years, reading this still sends a chill down my spine.
February 7, 2023
A somewhat uneven take on a problematic legacy - on an absolute shitshow of a situation.
March 10, 2017
I read this a couple years ago so its a bit hazy. This book explains how Australia went to war in Iraq.
March 31, 2016
I read this book in the year it was released but had not entered into my records. My heart went out to Andrew Wilkie, an insider in ASIO, who well and truly blew the whistle on the lies being disseminated about 'weapons of mass destruction' by the liberal party in government. Andrew's guts and honesty were given a very hard time, but time have proven his integrity. Andrew is a rare exceptional Australian.
September 26, 2011
he's not a writer but interesting politics
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews