Annex 8 – Principles of ONA independence

What independence and propriety of ONA in respect of assessments is…

Assessments made are based on Australia’s national interests, independent of the interests of other nations.
Assessments that are:
- made objectively and dispassionately
- factually correct
- reflect careful and thorough consideration of intelligence and information, and
free from political pressure/direction.
Assessments are policy relevant but not policy driven: those policy considerations are accounted for, but the assessment itself is not determined or guided by the policy.
Proper and robust debates with policy departments on certain issues, but with ONA always having the final say on their assessments.

The ability to question other analysts’ work; a culture of challenging/questioning/consulting on one another’s assessments in the drafting process.
Taking part in robust debates that are driven by ideas, concepts and theories (rather than things such as personalities or status).
Regularly revisiting / reviewing past assumptions and key judgements.
Considering what information is not available; what has been omitted or is absent.
Considering carefully what weight can logically be placed on material and what qualifications should be made about its reliability.
Being satisfied there is a sufficient body of reliable material to justify firm judgments.
Being given feedback on why an assessment has been modified / altered.
Being able to have dissent recorded without detriment to career aspirations.
Understanding and acceptance by those outside of ONA’s independence.

Assessments being biased towards desired policy outcomes rather than being objective in their own right; assessments that are driven by the policy considerations of the government.
Assessments to suit ministers who want intelligence backing for action.
Tailoring assessments to avoid “rocking the boat” or avoid a critical reaction from:
- Ministers (for political or policy reasons)
- policy departments
- other governments or their agencies.
Simply not producing assessments which will “rock the boat” or draw a critical reaction.

Acceptance of direction on the judgements in assessments from ministers or policy departments.
Sensitivity to how particular conclusions will be viewed from outside ONA to the point that would affect an assessment/outcome.
The deliberate selection of only that information and intelligence which supports an argument or position.
A systematic (even unconscious) distortion of intelligence.
Stretching intelligence to fit particular views.
Passive acceptance of information or intelligence.
Intolerance of different views; groupthink.
Reliance on the status quo; not revisiting key judgements.
Judgements not qualified when appropriate.
Qualifiers and caveats are disregarded or removed.
When the key judgements don’t accurately capture the totality of a report.
Unexplained and/or apparently unsourced amendments to draft assessments.
Difficult or politically sensitive issues (which are relevant to ONA’s mandate) not addressed or ignored.