Intelligence Analyst

An Intelligence Analyst collects, processes, and interprets intelligence data from multiple sources to support national security, law enforcement, or defence operations in Australia. They identify patterns, assess threats, and produce analytical reports that inform policy decisions and operational activities for government agencies such as ASIO, ASIS, ASD, or state police services. The role requires rigorous evaluation of classified and unclassified information within strict legal and ethical frameworks governed by Australian security legislation.

Collect and collate intelligence information from open-source databases, classified government systems, intercepts, and human intelligence sources. Assess the reliability and relevance of intelligence sources using tradecraft standards and ASIO/ASIS protocols. Analyse patterns, relationships, and networks within datasets to identify security threats, criminal activity, or foreign interference. Produce classified intelligence assessments, briefing papers, and situational reports for senior government officials and operational teams. Cross-reference information across multiple intelligence databases and liaison with other Australian intelligence agencies to prevent duplication and fill intelligence gaps. Evaluate counter-intelligence threats and assess the credibility of informant information within legal frameworks such as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Prepare oral and written briefings on emerging threats, including terrorism, organised crime, espionage, or foreign interference, tailored to the audience's classification clearance. Maintain strict adherence to security protocols, classification markings, and information handling procedures as mandated by the Australian Government Security Classification System.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Getting your security clearance takes 12 to 18 months and costs the agency thousands. If you fail it or it lapses, you're out of the job. The work is also mentally heavy: you'll spend years analysing threats and worst-case scenarios, which wears on you.

State police intelligence units exist in capital cities. Intelligence work is heavily concentrated in the nation's capital and major metros because of security infrastructure and government agency headquarters. Remote work is very limited due to classified information handling requirements.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2244, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Confidentiality and Privacy Compliancecore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboardscore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Active Listening
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
• Electronic Document Management
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Documentation
• Record Management
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026