Australias overseas spy chief reappointed for another five years The federal government has reappointed Nick Warner as the head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, or Asis Share 10 inShare 0 Email Australian Associated Press theguardian, Friday 22 August 2014 08.17 BST Nick Warner Nick Warner has also served as head of the defence department. Photograph: Alan Porritt/AAP The boss of Australia’s shadowy overseas spy agency has been given another five years in the job. The federal government has reappointed Nick Warner as the head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, or Asis. The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said Warner has served with distinction and professionalism in the role. “In this post-Snowden era, and with the increased threat of terrorism and a range of other national security challenges, it is important that Australia retain continuity and experienced leadership within the intelligence community,” she said. Warner was appointed Asis director-general in August 2009 and is the only member of the service who can be legally identified. He also has served as head of the defence department and as a senior adviser to former prime minister John Howard. The role of Asis is gathering intelligence overseas by clandestine means. It was created in May 1952, modelled on the UK Secret Intelligence Service and better known to James Bond fans worldwide as MI6. But the existence of Asis was not formally acknowledged until 1977, by then prime minister Malcolm Fraser. Asis has undergone a rapid expansion since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, although precise staff numbers are never released.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 05:52:03 +0000
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