“We’re the Ones that Stand Up and Tell You the Truth”: Necessity of Ethical Intelligence Services

Abstract

The concept of ethical intelligence is sometimes cited as an oxymoron. However, as the ultimate responsibility for intelligence agencies work lies with the government of the day, it is posited that intelligence-related decisions are ethically sound. This is because ethical standards provide the confidence that decisions can be judged fairly, giving governments legitimacy to carrying out what may otherwise be considered questionable activities.

Keywords

• Ethical professional behaviour
• code of conduct
• public accountability
• intelligence services
• Australian intelligence community
• national security