Bill Robertson (Australian intelligence officer)

Bill Robertson was an Australian intelligence officer who served with the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS). Details of his career and operational activities are largely classified, as is standard practice with personnel working in the field of intelligence. Publicly available information regarding Robertson is limited, often surfacing within government inquiries or occasional media reports concerning ASIS operations. He is primarily known for his role in the 1973 ASIS training exercise at the Medina Hotel in Melbourne, which resulted in significant public and political controversy due to its perceived unprofessionalism and potential violation of Australian law. The exercise, intended to simulate a hostage rescue, involved ASIS operatives using simulated weapons and forceful entry, causing considerable alarm among hotel staff and guests. The subsequent investigation and public fallout had a lasting impact on ASIS and its operational guidelines. Further specific details about Robertson's background, length of service, and other activities remain largely undisclosed to protect national security.