Canberra, Australia – The Australian Government has unveiled the unclassified findings of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the nation’s intelligence agencies remain equipped to address evolving threats and safeguard Australia’s national interest. The review, conducted by Dr. Heather Smith PSM and Richard Maude, highlights the exceptional performance of Australia’s National Intelligence Community (NIC) while recommending targeted investments to enhance capabilities in critical areas.
Australia’s intelligence agencies operate within a robust and well-funded national security framework. Since coming to office in May 2022, the Albanese Government has significantly increased national security funding, raising it by $53 billion, or 20 per cent. The Government’s commitment to keeping Australia secure means national security funding has increased from $265 billion over four years from 2021-22, to $318 billion over four years from 2024-25.
The NIC, which includes agencies such as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI), plays a pivotal role in protecting Australia from threats ranging from terrorism and cyberattacks to espionage and foreign interference. The NIC’s scope of work also extends to economic security, crisis preparedness, and open-source intelligence, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national security.
The 2024 Independent Intelligence Review found that Australia’s intelligence agencies have been highly effective in advancing the nation’s interests and protecting its security. The review commended the significant progress made since the last review in 2017, particularly the establishment of the NIC and the creation of the ONI, which has improved coordination and leadership across the intelligence community.
The review identified several areas for further investment, including:
- Economic Security: Strengthening capabilities to address threats to Australia’s economic stability and prosperity.
- Crisis Warning and Preparedness: Enhancing the ability to anticipate and respond to crises, including natural disasters and geopolitical tensions.
- Open-Source Intelligence: Expanding the use of publicly available information to support intelligence operations.
In response to the review, the Australian Government has announced a $44.6 million investment over four years, starting from 2025-26, to support the initial implementation of priority recommendations. This funding will be allocated to the ONI to bolster its capacity to lead and coordinate the NIC.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “There is no more important priority than keeping Australians safe. Our hardworking intelligence agencies are crucial in safeguarding Australia’s national security, and we have full confidence in their capacity.”
He also thanked Dr. Heather Smith and Richard Maude for their work on the review, noting that it will ensure Australia’s intelligence community remains well-equipped to address emerging threats and challenges.
The 2024 Independent Intelligence Review is part of a long-standing tradition of periodic assessments of Australia’s intelligence capabilities, with the first review conducted in 2004. These reviews ensure that the NIC remains adaptive and prepared to address future challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.
The specific details regarding the implementation of certain recommendations will remain classified to protect operational security.
