Long-awaited spy agency review paints stark picture of threats facing Australia

The federal government has promised to plough another $45 million into Australia’s spy agencies after releasing a long-awaited independent review of the nation’s intelligence capabilities. The government’s move to make an unclassified version of the document public has been welcomed by analysts and former senior officials, who had feared Labor might go to the election before releasing it. The review — which was conducted by former top officials Heather Smith and Richard Maude — paints a stark picture of the strategic threats confronting Australia. Intelligence agencies’ review yet to be released eight months on Photo shows White rectangular, concrete building…