It's been estimated that
ASIO files have been opened on more than half a million Australians - Are you a 'person of interest'?
For the first time, previously secret intelligence files, photographs and films will be on display to the public as part of an interesting exhibition showing at the Justice and Police Museum in Sydney.
ASIO was originally set up in 1949 to combat a Soviet spy ring operating in Australia, however during the 1950s and 60s ASIO shifted its focus to monitoring groups that were considered 'submersive' in that era. The resulting files are dark biographies that document a secret history of Sydney where spies lurked among unsuspecting citizens.
Groups and individuals who were the object of these secret intelligence files include the Communist Party of Australia, various feminist groups and those involved in the anti-apartheid movement. ASIO has been quietly following, recording and photographing persons of interest for more than 60 years and now you have the opportunity to see the recently declassified dossiers, photographs and films along with unique surveillance tools used by ASIO agents.
Persons of interest: the ASIO files" is on display at The Justice and Police Museum on the corner of Albert and Phillip Streets at Circular Quay, Sydney until Sunday 29 April 2012.
Open daily 9.30am – 5pm
Adult $10
Child/Concession $5
Family $20
Members of the Historic Houses trust are free
www.asio.gov.au/
