The Australian Security Intelligence Organization

by Frank Cain

This book traces the history of Australia's highly secret Intelligence Security Organisation. Established in the early days of the Cold War, like most intelligence organisations working under covert conditions, it exceeded the vague powers entrusted to it. It has been the subject of two Royal Commissions in Australia and in recent times several acts of Parliament have been passed in order to make it more accountable to Australia's government and its citizens.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Declan Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't agree with Cain's point of view, but this book is engaging and well-written. His chapter on the Petrov Affair is the only writing on the topic that's actually made me sit back and think 'was Petrov actually authentic?' Far superior to Whitlam and Stubbs's commentary on the topic.

[Jonah Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An effective history about a relatively less well-known organisation. Makes convincing revisionist arguments.