The National Archives of Australia (NAA) has opened a new exhibition showcasing Australia’s history of espionage and counter espionage.
Now on show at Archives’ national headquarters in Canberra, the exhibition, Spy: espionage in Australia, features infamous spy gadgets, surveillance images and footage, historic top secret documents, material confiscated during raids, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) training films and a series of candid interviews with serving ASIO intelligence officers.
Director-General of the Archives, David Fricker – who worked with ASIO for 10 years before joining the NAA – said that while there was a fun side to the exhibition, its underlying narrative was an important issue for Australians today.
“What are our intelligence agencies actually up to? How much surveillance are we subjected to? Are our liberties being sacrificed in the interests of national security?” Mr Fricker asked.
He said the exhibition featured previously unseen records from the NAA collection, objects on loan from international institutions and items from ASIO and other Australian security agencies.
“The National Archives is responsible for the preservation of records created by our intelligence agencies,” Mr Fricker said.
“With the passage of time and as sensitivities diminish, we declassify as many of these records as possible. This allows all Australians access to the evidence of actions and decisions of our intelligence sector.”
He said this was where the National Archives played a crucial role in Australia’s democratic process – providing access to the original records that hold our public institutions to account.
Mr Fricker said Spy: espionage in Australia takes visitors deep into the secretive world of intelligence, often challenging the popular image of spies.
According to the Director-General of ASIO, Mike Burgess. Australians were familiar with popular culture and how it has shaped society’s view on spies such as James Bond and Jason Bourne.
“I can tell you this world is nothing like that of the movies,” Mr Burgess said.
“I’m living proof that spies are normal people like me. I’m no Daniel Craig.”
Spy: espionage in Australia will be on show at the National Archives in Canberra until 27 April 2020 and admission is free.