DR JOHN FAHEY worked at Defence Signals Directorate (1988–1996) and served in a number of regimental and intelligence postings during his service in the British and Australian armies between 1975 and 2014. He is currently an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, and managing director of Cynergex Group, a medical education and services company.

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‘The remarkable story of how, beginning at Federation, Australia developed its own foreign intelligence institutions. Based on thorough research, it is a comprehensive account that draws on the author’s own deep understanding of how intelligence organisations should be run. It is also a warning tale that emphasises that Australia needs to put its own interests first, and that intelligence work requires hard-headed professionals, backed by an informed and responsible government. It 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. This book should be a foundational reference for every Indo-Pacific intelligence professional and historian. Just as great intelligence provides value by adding context to raw information, John Fahey adds context to events and brings to life many Australian trailblazers whose fiercely independent all-source intelligence operations established a culture of excellence that carries on today. I’ve benefitted from Australian intelligence in peace, crisis and combat…I now have a better understanding of the foundation that makes it so good.’

Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Retired), Former Director for

Intelligence of the US Pacific Command and Joint Chiefs of Staff