Spying on dissent: it's the Australian way

The clandestine involvement of military folk in the political and industrial affairs of the nation has a long history. Dissenting organisations should adopt counter-intelligence measures 'Oppositional, dissident organisations owe it to themselves and their supporters to adopt counter-intelligence procedures.' Photograph: Guardian Australia Allegations this week that the anti-mining camp at Maules creek in NSW was infiltrated by corporate spies should come as no surprise. While one activist told the Guardian Australia she felt "a sickening feeling of betrayal", in reality this is the Australian way. The clandestine involvement of military folk in the political and industrial affairs of the nation, done with staggering panache and ruthlessness, has a long history.