| ID | 084066 |
| Title Proper | Partisan improprieties |
| Other Title Information | ministerial control and Australia's security agencies, 1962-72 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Mcknight, David |
| Publication | 2008. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Partisan behaviour and abuses by intelligence and security agencies have often been attributed to the fact that agencies have become 'out of control' or 'rogue elephants'. But a detailed empirical study of the politicization of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) over ten years shows that the agency was not 'out of control' but very much under the control of its minister. The partisan use of security information arose from directives issued through the 'democratic' control exercised by a government. On the basis of this study, prevention of abuses by tighter governmental control is unlikely to work. A combination of government control, autonomy of the agency and independent scrutiny by an inspector-general is more likely to succeed. |
| `In' analytical Note | Intelligence and National Security Vol. 23, No. 5; Oct 2008: p707-725 |
| Journal Source | Intelligence and National Security Vol. 23, No. 5; Oct 2008: p707-725 |
| Key Words | Australia ; Australia - Security Agencies ; ASIO ; Australia Security Intelligence Organisation ; ASIO - Partisa ; Partisan - Australia |