ASIS leader Kerri Hartland emphasises “human element” in intelligence during exclusive address at NSC

We were pleased to host Kerri Hartland, Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) on 29 Oct 2024 for an exclusive address to university students.

DG Hartland delivered a speech about the ongoing need for the human element of intelligence gathering in an increasingly digital world and busted some myths about working at ASIS.

In an interview, Head of NSC, Professor Rory Medcalf said DG Hartland’s speech "resonated" with the students, who were drawn from both the ANU and the University of Canberra.

"We've seen steps to transparency by ASIS chiefs over the past decade, but this is the first time one has made such a clear careers pitch to students," he said.

"It's also a sign of the times. Australia's interests and values are at stake in a contested world, and intelligence is a meaningful career where individual talents can make a difference."