Australia was born with its eyes wide open. Although politicians spoke publicly of loyalty to Britain and the empire, in secret they immediately set about protecting Australia's interests from the Germans, the Japanese - and from Britain itself.

As an experienced intelligence officer, John Fahey knows how the security services disguise their activities within government files. He has combed the archives to compile the first account of Australia's intelligence operations in the years from Federation to World War II.

He tells the stories of dedicated patriots who undertook dangerous operations to protect their new nation, despite a lack of training and support. He shows how the early adoption of advanced radio technology by Australia contributed to the war effort in Europe. He also exposes the bureaucratic mismanagement in World War II that cost many lives, and the leaks that compromised Australia's standing with its wartime allies so badly that Australia was nearly expelled from the Anglo-Saxon intelligence network.

Australia's First Spies shows Australia always has been a far savvier operator in international affairs than much of the historical record suggests, and it offers a glimpse into the secret history of the nation.

About the Author
Dr John Fahey is a former employee of the Defence Signals Directorate (1988-1996) and served in the British Army and Australian Army full-time and part-time 1975-2014. He is currently an Honorary Associate in the Policing, Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Centre at Macquarie University, and managing director of the Cynergex Group, a medical training company.

Reviews
Fills a major gap in the history of Australian intelligence organisations. -- Professor David Horner, author of THE SPY CATCHERS: THE OFFICIAL HISTORY OF ASIO 1949-1963
Great intelligence is often shared by great story telling, and John Fahey shares a great story in Australia's First Spies. -- Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Retired), Former Director for Intelligence of the U.S. Pacific Command and Joint Chiefs of Staff


Awards
Commended for Non-Fiction Book of the Year - Victorian Institute of Professional Editors 2018 (Australia) and Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers 2020 (Australia).



Book Information
ISBN 9781760631208
Author John Fahey
Format Paperback
Page Count 456
Imprint Allen & Unwin
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Weight(grams) 610g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 35mm