Transforming the Australian intelligence community: mapping change, impact and challenges

Abstract

9/11 produced significant changes to the US intelligence community, while in contrast the attacks resulted in incremental changes in the Australian intelligence community (AIC). Fast forward to 2017 however, this article examines how the 2017 Independent Intelligence Review has created the momentum for significant change in the AIC; and what challenges may arise from reform initiatives flowing from the review. While assessing the full impact of the current reform agenda will take years, this article assesses key changes made so far (2017 to October 2020) and if they are resulting in a more effective, coordinated and integrated intelligence community.