2017 Independent Intelligence Review

The Prime Minister announced on 7 November 2016 that Mr Michael L’Estrange AO and Mr Stephen Merchant PSM would jointly undertake an independent review of the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC).

On 18 July 2017 the Prime Minister released the unclassified version of the 2017 Independent Intelligence Review report.

The timing of the Review was consistent with the 2011 Independent Review of the Intelligence Community recommendation that periodic reviews occur every five years.

The Review examined the environment in which the intelligence community operates, and considered how effectively it serves Australia’s national interests. In particular the suitability of the current structural, legislative and oversight architecture of the intelligence community was considered.

Mr L’Estrange and Mr Merchant reported their findings to the Australian Government in June 2017.