TheAustralian Intelligence Community (AIC) and theNational Intelligence Community (NIC) orNational Security Community of theAustralian Government are the collectives of statutory intelligence agencies, policy departments, and other government agencies concerned with protecting and advancing the national security and national interests of theCommonwealth of Australia. The intelligence and security agencies of the Australian Government have evolved since theSecond World War and theCold War and saw transformation and expansion during the globalwar on terrorism with military deployments inAfghanistan,Iraq and againstISIS in Syria. Key international and national security issues for the Australian Intelligence Community include terrorism andviolent extremism,cybersecurity,transnational crime, the rise ofChina, andPacific regional security.[1]
TheNational Security Committee of Cabinet (NSC) is a Cabinet committee and the peak Australian Government decision-making body for national security, intelligence, foreign policy, and defence matters. It is chaired by thePrime Minister and is composed of the Deputy Prime Minister,Attorney-General,Treasurer,Minister for Foreign Affairs,Minister for Defence, andMinister for Home Affairs.
DuringWorld War I, in January 1916, theUK Government established an Australian branch of theImperial Counter Espionage Bureau, known as theAustralian Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB). In 1919 theCommonwealth Police Force and the Special Intelligence Bureau merged to form theInvestigation Branch (IB).[2]
DuringWorld War IICommonwealth Security Service was established.[2]
In 1946Commonwealth Investigation Service (CIS) took over security intelligence functions. In 1949Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) was established.[2]
In the late 1940s the Australian Government established a foreign intelligence organisation in theDepartment of Defence. In 1952 it became the Australian Secret Service, renamed as theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service in 1954.[2]
In 1947 a permanent signals intelligence agency in the Department of Defence was established, called the Defence Signals Bureau. It changed its name to the Defence Signals Branch in 1949, the Defence Signals Division in 1964, the Defence Signals Directorate in 1978, and theAustralian Signals Directorate (ASD) in 2013.[2]
In 1947 the Department of Defence established the Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB) which was renamed theJoint Intelligence Organisation (JIO) in 1969 and then theDefence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) in 1989.[2]
In 1977 an additional intelligence analysis agency, the Office of National Assessments (ONA), was created in theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It was renamed theOffice of National Intelligence (ONI) in 2018.[2]
The Australian government's National Security Strategy includes six core intelligence agencies in the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC), and defines the National Intelligence Community (NIC) as comprising policy departments and other government agencies.[3] TheOffice of National Intelligence further classifies the six AIC agencies as collection or assessment agencies, and plays a unique all-source intelligence assessment and intergovernmental co-ordination role.[4]
| Agency | Department | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Office of National Intelligence (ONI) | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Assessment and Coordination |
| Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) | Attorney-General's Department | Collection and Assessment |
| Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Foreign Intelligence Collection |
| Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) | Department of Defence | Assessment |
| Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) | Department of Defence | Foreign Intelligence Collection |
| Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) | Department of Defence | Foreign Intelligence Collection |
| Agency | Department | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Federal Police | Attorney-General's Department | Collection |
| Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission | Department of Home Affairs | Collection and Assessment |
| Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre | Department of Home Affairs | Collection and Assessment |
| Australian Border Force | Department of Home Affairs | All Source |
The Australian Government 2008 National Security Strategy defined the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC) as the six core intelligence agencies (Office of National Assessments (ONA),Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO),Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS),Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO),Australian Signals Directorate (ASD),Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO)) and the National Intelligence Community (NIC) as policy departments and other government agencies such as theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and theAustralian Federal Police.[3] The Office of National Assessments further classifies the six agencies of the Australian Intelligence Community as collection (ASIO, ASIS, ASD, AGO) or assessment agencies (ONA, DIO). TheOffice of National Assessments itself plays a unique all-source intelligence assessment and intergovernmental co-ordination role.[4]
As amiddle power andG20 economy in the international community and aregional power in the Asia-Pacific andIndo-Pacific, Australia has played a major role ininternational security. The Australian Government is a member of theFive Eyes intelligence community, theANZUS treaty, theFive Power Defence Arrangements, and theCommonwealth of Nations. Theforeign policy of Australia is guided by its commitment to multilateralism and theUnited Nations andregionalism with thePacific Islands Forum and theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations alongside strong bilateral relations particularly in Oceania, Southeast Asia, thealliance with the United States, andAustralia–China relations.
TheAustralian Defence Force has also deployed around the world forUnited Nations peacekeeping, regionalpeacekeeping operations including with theRegional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands and theInternational Force for East Timor, humanitarian relief, counterterrorism and special operations, border security inOperation Resolute,airborne surveillance operations and maritime monitoring operations in the South China Sea and South West Pacific,[5] counterinsurgency and security assistance such as with theInternational Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan withOperation Slipper and Operation Highroad, and the fight againstIslamic State of Iraq and the Levant withOperation Okra.
Domestically, the rise ofviolent extremism and threats of bothIslamic andright-wingterrorism are key concerns of the Australian Government.Crime in Australia, includingcybercrime andtransnational crime such ashuman trafficking,arms trafficking, and theillegal drug trade, are ongoing risks to the security and safety of Australia.
TheNational Security Committee of Cabinet (NSC) is aCabinet committee and the peakministerial decision-making body onnational security, intelligence and defence matters. Decisions of the Committee do not require the endorsement of the Cabinet. It is chaired by thePrime Minister and the membership includes the Deputy Prime Minister,Attorney-General,Treasurer,Minister for Foreign Affairs,Minister for Defence,Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, and the ministerialCabinet Secretary. Attendance also includes theSecretaries for each respectivepublic servicedepartment, as well as theChief of the Defence Force, theDirector-General of Security and the Directors-General of theOffice of National Assessments and theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service.[6][7][8][9]
TheSecretaries Committee on National Security (SCNS) (formerly the Secretaries Committee on Intelligence and Security) is the peak interdepartmental officials-level committee considering national security matters in support of the National Security Committee. It considers all major matters to be put before the NSC and has a strong role in ensuring that Australia maintains a coordinated policy approach on all national security issues. Membership of the SCNS includes the Secretaries of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, theAttorney-General's Department, theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade, theDepartment of Defence, theDepartment of the Treasury, theChief of the Australian Defence Force, and the Director-General of theOffice of National Assessments. Other senior officials including theCommissioner of theAustralian Federal Police, the Commissioner of theAustralian Border Force, and the chief executive officerof theAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission, theDirector-General of Security (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation), the Director-General of theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service, and the Directors of theDefence Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, and theAustralian Signals Directorate.
TheNational Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC) was formed in 2008 to provide strategic co-ordination for the effectiveness and integration of the national intelligence efforts. It is chaired by the Deputy Secretary of National Security and International Policy of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.[10][11] The National Intelligence Coordination Committee comprises the chiefs of the ONA, ASIS, ASIO, DIO, ASD, AGO, AFP, ACIC, ABF, as well as the Deputy Secretary for Strategic Policy and Intelligence of the Department of Defence, the Deputy Secretary for National Security and Emergency Management of the Attorney-General's Department, and the Deputy Secretary responsible for international security of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.[6][12]
TheNational Intelligence Collection Management Committee (NICMC) is a subcommittee of the National Intelligence Coordination Committee and is responsible for setting specific requirements and evaluating collection effort against each of the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs). It is chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.[6]
TheNational Intelligence Open Source Committee (NIOSC) is a subcommittee of the National Intelligence Coordination Committee and is responsible for enhancing the co-ordination and capabilities of the national intelligence community's open source efforts. It is chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.[6]
TheAustralia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) is a bilateral and intergovernmental high level body to co-ordinate counterterrorism capabilities, crisis management, command and control, intelligence and investigation functions composed of representatives from the Australian Government, Australian state and territory governments and the New Zealand Government. Formerly the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC), in October 2012, the New Zealand Government became members to encourage closer dialogue on matters of bilateral interest relevant to counter-terrorism. It was established by the Inter-Governmental Agreement in October 2002 to contribute to the security of the Australian community through co-ordination of a nationwide cooperative framework, known as the National Counter-Terrorism Plan. TheCommonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is the Co-Chair of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee.[13]
TheAustralian Counter-Terrorism Centre (ACTC) is an intergovernmental multi-agency body that coordinates counterterrorism in Australia, overseen by theJoint Counter Terrorism Board (JCTB) consisting of senior government officials. The ACTC provides strategic direction to set strategic counter-terrorism priorities, co-ordinate counter-terrorism policy, inform operational counter-terrorism priorities, evaluate performance on priorities, and identify and fix impediments to effective co-ordination of counterterrorism. Membership of the ACTC includes senior officials from theAustralian Security Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Federal Police, theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service, theAustralian Signals Directorate, theAustralian Border Force, theAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission, theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and theAustralian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre. TheCommonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is the Co-Chair of the Joint Counter Terrorism Board.[14][15]
TheAustralian Government Crisis Committee (AGCC) is the national co-ordination body composed of Ministers and senior officials from Australian Government agencies convened by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and supported by the Crisis Coordination Centre ofEmergency Management Australia. AGCC may convene in response to any crisis, including a terrorist act, where the scope and resourcing of Commonwealth Government support to States and Territories requires senior officials' level co-ordination. The purpose of the AGCC is to ensure effective co-ordination of information, intelligence and response options to support the NSC. The AGCC does not extend to managing the deployment of resources or other activities of operational agencies.
TheNational Crisis Committee (NCC) is a national intergovernmental body for crisis co-ordination composed of senior officials from Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. It would be convened in the event of a terrorist act to co-ordinate information exchange regarding response and recovery within the Commonwealth Government and with the States and Territories. It is chaired by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and supported by the Crisis Coordination Centre ofEmergency Management Australia.
The Cyber Security Operations Board (CSOB) is a secretary and agency head-level body responsible for strategic oversight of the government's operational cyber security capabilities and co-ordination of cyber security measures. It specifically oversees the work of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the intergovernmental and interagency cybersecurity hub hosted by theAustralian Signals Directorate. The Board is chaired by the Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department.[16][17][18]
TheNational Security and International Policy Group of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, led by the Deputy Secretary for National Security and International Policy, provides advice on Australia's foreign, trade and treaty matters, defence, intelligence, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border security and emergency management matters, coordinates security-related science and technology research matters, and plays a co-ordinating leadership role in the development of integrated, whole-of-government national security policy. The National Security and International Policy Group comprises three divisions each led by a First Assistant Secretary as well as the Office of the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator with the rank of Deputy Secretary.
TheDepartment of Home Affairs was established on the 20 December 2017 through Administrative Arrangements Order bringing together the national security, law enforcement and emergency management functions of theAttorney-General's Department portfolio (including the AFP, and the ACIC), the entireDepartment of Immigration and Border Protection portfolio and theAustralian Border Force, the transport security functions of theDepartment of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the counter-terrorism and cybersecurity functions of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the multicultural affairs functions of theDepartment of Social Services.ASIO will be transfer to Home Affairs once enabling legislations is pass by Parliament.
The Department of Home Affairs includes the following departmental units with responsibilities for national security and intelligence policy and coordination:
TheCommonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and theCentre for Counter-Terrorism Coordination within the Department of Home Affairs (formerly within theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet) provides strategic advice and support to the Minister for Home Affairs and the Prime Minister on all aspects of counterterrorism and counteringviolent extremism policy and co-ordination across government.[19] The Office was created after recommendations from the Review of Australia's Counter-Terrorism Machinery in 2015 in response to the2014 Sydney hostage crisis. The Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator also serves as the Co-Chair and or Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Board, with the Centre for Counter-Terrorism Coordination providing secretariat support to the Australian Counter-Terrorism Centre and the Australian and New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee.[20] Along with the Deputy Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, the Centre for Counter-Terrorism Coordination is also composed of the Counter-Terrorism Strategic Coordination Branch, the Domestic Operations and Engagement Branch, the Counter-Terrorism Capability Branch, and the Home Affairs Counter-Terrorism Policy Branch.
TheNational Cyber Coordinator and the Cyber Security Policy Division within the Department of Home Affairs (formerly within theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet) is responsible for cyber security policy and the implementation of the Australian Government Cyber Security Strategy. The National Cyber Coordinator also ensures effective partnerships between Commonwealth, state and territory governments, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, the research community and the international partners. The National Cyber Coordinator also works closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Ambassador for Cyber Issues.[21]
CERT Australia is the nationalcomputer emergency response team responsible forcybersecurity responses and providing cyber security advice and support to critical infrastructure and other systems of national interest. CERT Australia works closely with other Australian Government agencies, international CERTs, and the private sector. It is also a key element in theAustralian Cyber Security Centre, sharing information and working closely with ASIO, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Defence Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.[22]
TheAustralian Government Critical Infrastructure Centre (CIC) is responsible for whole-of-government co-ordination ofcritical infrastructure protection and national security risk assessments and advice. It was established on 23 January 2017 and brings together expertise and capability from across the Australian Government and functions in close consultation states and territory governments, regulators, and the private sector. The Centre also supports theForeign Investment Review Board.[23]
TheAustralian Government Crisis Coordination Centre (CCC) is an all-hazards co-ordination facility, which operates on a 24/7 basis, and supports the Australian Government Crisis Committee (AGCC) and the National Crisis Committee (NCC). The CCC provides whole-of-government all-hazards monitoring and situational awareness for domestic and international events and coordinates Australian Government responses to major domestic incidents. The Crisis Coordination Centre is managed by the Crisis Coordination Branch ofEmergency Management Australia.
TheInternational Security Division is the international security and foreign intelligence policy and governance co-ordination entity of theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is divided into three branches each led by an Assistant Secretary:
TheDefence Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group was established on 8 February 2016 as a key recommendation of the First Principles Review of theAustralian Defence Organisation.[25] The Group integrates the policy, strategy and intelligence functions of theAustralian Defence Organisation to deliver high-quality advice to the Australian Government, theSecretary of the Department of Defence and theChief of the Defence Force. The Group is led by a Deputy Secretary and comprises four divisions and three intelligence agencies.
TheAttorney-General's Department is the chief law office of Australia. On the 20 December 2017 by Administrative Arrangements Order, law enforcement and emergency management functions of the department moved to the newly establishedDepartment of Home Affairs.ASIO will remain part of theAttorney-General's Department until legislations is pass for transition to Home Affairs. However, the Attorney-General's Department will have responsibilities for the oversight and integrity of the Australian Intelligence Community through the transfer of theInspector-General of Intelligence and Security, theIndependent National Security Legislation Monitor, and theCommonwealth Ombudsman from theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. TheAttorney-General of Australia also retains the responsibility for the authorisation of ASIO operations, theCommonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, and various other criminal law policy matters.
The Attorney-General's Department includes theSecurity and Criminal Law Division which is responsible for providing policy and legislative advice with regards to intelligence, criminal, electronic surveillance and counter-terrorism law, anti-corruption, fraud, and protective security policy. The Division is also responsible for international arrangements for anti-corruption, intelligence management within the department, and whole-of-government advice for criminal offences. The Division includes the National Security Coordination Unit, the Communications Security and Intelligence Branch.
TheAustralian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is Australia's national security service with the main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia'snational security. The ASIO Act defines "security" as the protection of Australia's territorial and border integrity from serious threats, and the protection of Australia and its people from espionage, sabotage, politically motivated violence, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia's defence system, and acts of foreign interference. ASIO also includes the Counter-Terrorism Control Centre which is responsible for setting and managing counter-terrorism priorities, identifying intelligence requirements, and ensuring the processes of collecting and distributing counter terrorism information are fully harmonised and effective. The National Threat Assessment Centre is also part of ASIO and is responsible for analysis of terrorist threats to Australian interests overseas and terrorist threats and threats from violent protests in Australia.[26]
TheBusiness Liaison Unit (BLU) of ASIO provides a conduit between the private sector and the Australian Intelligence Community. It seeks to provide industry security and risk managers with credible, intelligence-backed reporting that enables them to brief executive management and staff authoritatively, and to use this knowledge for their risk management and continuity planning.[27]
TheNational Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC) of ASIO prepares assessments of the likelihood and probable nature of terrorism and protest violence, including against Australia, Australians and Australian interests here and abroad, special events and international interests in Australia. Threat Assessments support jurisdictions and agencies to make risk management decisions to determine how best to respond to the threat and mitigate risk.[27]
TheCounter Terrorism Control Centre (CTCC) is a multi-agency located within ASIO which sets and manages counter-terrorism priorities, identifies intelligence requirements, and ensures that the processes of collecting and distributing counter-terrorism information are fully harmonised and effective across the spectrum of Australia's counter-terrorism activity. The CTCC has senior level representation from ASIS, AFP, ASD, and AGO.[27]
TheNational Interception Technical Assistance Centre (NiTAC) of ASIO is an inter-agency central point of reference for technical assistance, advice, and support particularly regarding telecommunications interception and signals intelligence.[28]
TheAustralian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) is Australia's overseas secretHUMINT collection agency with the mission to protect and promote Australia's vital interests through the provision of unique foreign intelligence services as directed by Government. ASIS's primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia's interests and the well-being of its citizens.[29]
TheAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) was established by amalgamating the Australian Imagery Organisation, the Directorate of Strategic Military Geographic Information, and the Defence Topographic Agency to providegeospatial intelligence, from imagery and other sources, in support of theAustralian Defence Force andnational security interests.[30]
The AGO hosts the Geospatial Analysis Centre (GAC) outside ofBendigo, Victoria which provides geospatial intelligence support to theAustralian Defence Organisation and the Australian Intelligence Community across geospatial information and mapping services including targeting foundation data, and three-dimensional modelling and visualisation products.[31]
TheAustralian Signals Directorate (ASD) is responsible for collection, analysis and distribution of foreignsignals intelligence and is the national authority on communications, information, cyber and computer security. The ASD also includes the Cyber Security Operations Centre which coordinates and assists with operational responses to cyber events of national importance and provides government with a consolidated understanding of the cyber threat through its intrusion detection, analytic andthreat assessment capabilities.[32]
TheJoint Defence Facility Pine Gap is a joint Australia-United States militarysignals intelligence andsatellite ground station outside ofAlice Springs, Northern Territory. The Chief of the Facility is a senior official of theUnited States Intelligence Community (usually the Central Intelligence Agency) and the Deputy Chief serves concurrently as the Assistant Secretary for Technical Intelligence of theAustralian Signals Directorate. Personnel from theAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, theDefence Science and Technology Group, the United States’Central Intelligence Agency, itsNational Security Agency,National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,National Reconnaissance Office, theUnited States Naval Network Warfare Command, theUnited States Air ForceTwenty-Fifth Air Force (including the566th Intelligence Squadron of the544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group), theUnited States Army Intelligence and Security Command, and theMarine Cryptologic Support Battalion are also present.[33]
TheAustralian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) works across cybersecurity including analysing, investigating and reporting cyber threats and co-ordinating national security capabilities and operations for incidents ofcybercrime,cyberterrorism, andcyberwarfare. The ACSC is joint responsibility of the Minister for Defence and the Attorney-General. The Deputy Director of theAustralian Signals Directorate serves as the Coordinator of the Australian Cyber Security Centre which integrates the national security cyber capabilities acrossDefence Intelligence Organisation strategic intelligence analysts, the Computer Emergency Response Team of the Attorney-General's Department,Australian Security Intelligence Organisation cyber investigations and telecommunication security specialists,Australian Federal Police cyber crime investigators, andAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission cyber crime threat intelligence specialists.[17]
TheDefence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) is the nationalmilitary intelligence and intelligence assessment agency that provides services and advice at the national security level with the mandate to support the Australian Defence Force,Department of Defence and theAustralian Government andnational security decision-making and to assist with the planning and conduct ofAustralian Defence Force operations.[34]
TheOffice of National Intelligence (ONI) produces all-source assessments on international political, strategic and economic developments as an independent body directly accountable to the Prime Minister and provides advice and assessments to other Senior Ministers in the National Security Committee of Cabinet, and Senior Officials of Government Departments. ONI operates under its own legislation and has responsibility for co-ordinating/analysing and verifying/evaluating Australia's foreign intelligence priorities & activities. It draws its information from other intelligence agencies, as well as diplomatic reporting, information and reporting from other government agencies, and open source material.[35]
TheOpen Source Centre (OSC) of ONI collects, researches, and analyses open source information in support of Australia's national security. In line with ONI's mandate under the ONI Act, the OSC focuses on international developments that affect Australia's national interests. Its principal consumers are the departments and agencies that make up Australia's national intelligence community.[36]
TheAustralian Federal Police (AFP) is the federal law enforcement agency under theAttorney-General's Department. It providescriminal intelligence and other intelligence capabilities across all operational functions and crime types. Divided into operational intelligence teams, the division collects, collates, analyses and disseminates intelligence on nationally significant criminal issues of interest to the AFP. Areas of intelligence operations extend to crime related to people smuggling, illicit drugs, human trafficking and sexual servitude, financial crime, counter-terrorism, high-tech crime, and child sex tourism.[37]
TheIntelligence Division is the criminal intelligence and national security intelligence division of the AFP. The Intelligence Division is project-driven and multi-jurisdictional in its functions, using capabilities from the AFP National Headquarters and the relevant field offices.
TheJoint Counter Terrorism Teams (JCTT) of the Australian Federal Police operate in each state and territory jurisdiction consisting of AFP, state and territory police, and ASIO officers. JCTTs conduct investigations to prevent, respond to and investigate terrorist threats and attacks in Australia.[38]
TheAustralian Bomb Data Centre (ABDC) of the AFP is Australia's primary source of information and intelligence relating to the unlawful use of explosives. The ABDC officially began operations on 1 July 1978, and it is therefore one of the oldest bomb data centres in the world. The ABDC provides statistical reporting on all explosive incidents reported to the Centre by Australian policing and military agencies. This includes any minor incidents or acts of vandalism reported by the relevant agency. The ABDC is concerned both with criminals who use explosives for their own benefit and with those who use explosives and bombs for terrorism. It maintains records of all bomb-related incidents reported to it, regardless of design, target or motive. The ABDC is staffed by members of the AFP as well as members of the Australian Defence Force.[39][40]
TheAustralian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) is a national cybercrime and cybersecurity initiative located within the AFP with staff also from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Australian Signals Directorate. The primary role of the AHTCC is to co-ordinate the efforts of Australian law enforcement in combating serious, complex and multi-jurisdictional high tech crimes, especially those beyond the capability of single policing jurisdictions in Australia. Secondary roles include protecting the information infrastructure of Australia, and providing information to other law enforcement to help combat online crime.
TheAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is Australia's nationalcriminal intelligence agency with investigative, research and information delivery functions under theAttorney-General's Department. It has a range of statutory functions centred on intelligence collection, dissemination and investigations regarding nationally significant, complex, serious and or major crimes. The ACIC recommends national criminal intelligence priorities (NCIPs), works collaboratively with international partners and federal, state and territory agencies, and maintains ongoing powers similar to aRoyal Commission. The ACIC shapes the national agenda on fighting serious crime, provides solutions for national serious crime priorities and maintains a leading capability in national criminal intelligence.[41]
The ACIC is responsible for delivering national policing information services, developing and maintaining national information-sharing services between state, territory and federal law enforcement agencies, consolidating criminal intelligence, and providing national criminal history record checks for accredited agencies. The ACIC maintains and provides the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD), the National Child Offender System (NCOS), the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS), the National Police Reference System (NPRS), the National Firearms Licensing and Registration System (NFLRS), the National Vehicles of Interest Register, the National Police Checking Service, National Missing Persons and Victim System (NMPVS) and is developing the National DNA Investigative Capability (NDIC).
TheAustralian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is the nationalfinancial intelligence agency under theDepartment of Home Affairs. It is responsible for gathering intelligence on and regulating money laundering,terrorism financing and major financial crimes.[42][43]
TheAustralian Border Force (ABF) of theDepartment of Home Affairs manages the security and integrity of Australia's borders. It works closely with other government and international agencies to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border.
TheInspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is the independentstatutory office in theCommonwealth of Australia responsible for reviewing the activities of the sixintelligenceagencies which collectively comprise the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC). With own motion powers in addition to considering complaints or requests from ministers, IGIS is a key element of the accountability regime for Australia's intelligence and security agencies.
TheIndependent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) is the independent review body of the Australian Government responsible for reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia's counter‑terrorism and national security legislation on an ongoing basis. The INSLM also considers whether legislation contains appropriate safeguards for protecting the rights of individuals, remains proportionate to any threat of terrorism or threat to national security or both, and remains necessary. Australian security and intelligence agencies provide the INSLM with information (both classified and unclassified), relevant to the above functions. This is under compulsion in some circumstances. The INSLM makes recommendations on these matters in reports, which are then tabled in Parliament.[45]
TheIndependent Reviewer of Adverse Security Assessments is an independent official of theAttorney-General's Department with the responsibilities to reviewAustralian Security Intelligence Organisation adverse security assessments given to theDepartment of Immigration and Border Protection in relation to people who remain in immigration detention and have been found to engage Australia's protection obligations under international law, and not be eligible for a permanent protection visa, or who have had their permanent protection visa cancelled. The Independent Reviewer of Adverse Security Assessments examines all material relied upon by ASIO in making the security assessment, as well as other relevant material, and forms an opinion on whether the assessment is an appropriate outcome. The applicant may also submit material for the Independent Reviewer's consideration. The Independent Reviewer provides their recommendations to theDirector-General of Security. The Director-General must respond to the reviewer and may determine whether to take action if he agrees with the reviewer's opinion. The applicant will be told the outcome of the review, including the Director-General's response. TheAttorney-General of Australia,Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, and theInspector-General of Intelligence and Security are also provided with copies of the Independent Reviewer's recommendations.[46]
TheAustralian Human Rights Commission is the Australiannational human rights institution and the independent statutory body with the responsibility for investigating alleged infringements under Australia's anti-discrimination legislation in relation to Commonwealth agencies.
TheCommonwealth Ombudsman is the nationalombudsman of Australian which has responsibilities to investigate complaints about the actions and decisions of Australian Government agencies and services delivered by most private contractors for the Australian Government, to and oversee complaint investigations conducted by the Australian Federal Police. The Ombudsman can also investigate complaints about delays in processing Freedom of Information requests (FOI) and complaints about FOI charges. The Commonwealth Ombudsman is also theAustralian Defence Force Ombudsman, Immigration Ombudsman, Postal Industry Ombudsman, Taxation Ombudsman, and Law Enforcement Ombudsman. In addition, the Ombudsman has a number of statutory oversight functions in relation to law enforcement agency use of special powers, including those under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, Surveillance Devices Act 2004 and Part 1AB of the Crimes Act 1914.
TheOffice of the Australian Information Commissioner is an independent Australian Government agency, functioning as thenational data protection authority for Australia, and reports to the Parliament of Australia.
TheAustralian National Audit Office (ANAO) is the nationalauditor for theParliament of Australia andGovernment of Australia. The ANAO supports the Auditor-General of Australia with the main functions and powers under theAuditor-General Act 1997 (Cth) including auditing financial statements of Commonwealth agencies and authorities in accordance with theFinancial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (Cth) and conducting performance audits which are tabled in Parliament.
TheAustralian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) is an Australian governmentstatutory agency, created under theLaw Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006.[47] Its role is to support the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner, detecting and preventing corruption in theAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission,Australian Border Force, theAustralian Federal Police, andAustralian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.[48] Priority is given to investigations of serious and systemic political corruption. ACLEI supports the Integrity Commissioner by collecting intelligence regarding corruption. The Integrity Commissioner is required to make recommendation to the federal government regarding improvements to legislation that will prevent corrupt practices or their early detection.[48]
TheInspector of Transport Security is the national oversight entity for transport security and the Office of Transport Security. Under theDepartment of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Inspector of Transport Security inquires into major transport or offshore security incidents or a pattern or series of incidents that point to a systemic failure or possible weakness of aviation or maritime transport security regulatory systems.
TheParliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is the parliamentary body responsible for oversight for theAustralian Security Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service, theAustralian Signals Directorate, theDefence Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, and theOffice of National Intelligence. The PJCIS's main function is the administrative and expenditure review and oversight of the primary agencies of the Australian Intelligence Community. The Committee does not review intelligence gathering or operational procedures or priorities, nor does it conduct inquiries into individual complaints about the activities of the intelligence agencies. The Committee comprises eleven members: five from theSenate and six from theHouse of Representatives. Six members are from theGovernment and five from theOpposition. Serving ministers are not allowed to be members.
TheSenate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is astanding committee of theAustralian Senate with the responsibilities for the parliamentary oversight of the portfolios of theDepartment of Defence (Australia) and its agencies (including theDefence Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Signals Directorate, and theAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation) and theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its agencies (including theAustralian Secret Intelligence Service). The Committee's purpose is to deal with legislative bills referred by the Senate and to oversee the budget estimates process and performance reporting of the portfolio entities.[49]
TheSenate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is astanding committee of theAustralian Senate with the responsibilities for the parliamentary oversight of the portfolios of theAttorney-General's Department and its agencies (including theAustralian Security Intelligence Organisation, theAustralian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, and theAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission) and theDepartment of Home Affairs and its agencies (including theAustralian Federal Police andAustralian Border Force). The Committee's purpose is to deal with legislative bills referred by the Senate and to oversee the budget estimates process and performance reporting of the portfolio entities.[50]
TheSenate Finance and Public Administration Committee is astanding committee of theAustralian Senate with the responsibilities for the parliamentary oversight of the portfolios of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and its agencies (including theOffice of National Assessments and theInspector-General of Intelligence and Security) and theDepartment of Finance and its agencies. The Committee's purpose is to deal with legislative bills referred by the Senate and to oversee the budget estimates process and performance reporting of the portfolio entities.[51]
TheParliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement is the parliamentary body responsible for oversight for theAustralian Criminal Intelligence Commission and theAustralian Federal Police. It is tasked with monitoring, reviewing and reporting on the performance of the ACIC and AFP and to examine trends and changes in criminal activities in Australia.[52]
TheJoint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is a joint parliamentary committee, administered through the House of Representatives, with responsibilities to consider and report on such matters relating to the portfolios of theAustralian Defence Organisation and theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade as may be referred to it by either the Parliament or a Minister. The Committee may also inquire into matters raised in annual reports of the portfolio departments and agencies or in reports of theAustralian National Audit Office.
TheFederal Court of Australia is an Australian superior court of record which has jurisdiction to deal with most civil disputes governed by federal law (with the exception of family law matters), along with some summary (less serious) criminal matters. Cases are heard at first instance by single Judges. The Court includes an appeal division referred to as the Full Court comprising three Judges, the only avenue of appeal from which lies to theHigh Court of Australia. In theAustralian court hierarchy, the Federal Court occupies a position equivalent to the Supreme Courts of each of the states and territories. In relation to the other Courts in the federal stream, it is equal to theFamily Court of Australia, and superior to theFederal Circuit Court. It was established in 1976 by the Federal Court of Australia Act.
TheAdministrative Appeals Tribunal includes the Security Division, for appeals of applications regarding national security assessments under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.[53][54]
TheDefence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) of theDepartment of Defence provides science and technology support for Australia's defence and national security needs. It is Australia's second largest government-funded science organisation after theCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. The DST Group provides scientific and technical support to current defence operations, investigates future technologies for defence and national security applications, advises on the purchase and use of defence equipment, develops new defence capabilities, and enhances existing systems by improving performance and safety and reducing the cost of owning defence assets.[55] The DST GroupNational Security and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division undertakes advanced scientificresearch and development into technologies acrossnational security, military, and intelligence capabilities of the Australian Government. Research areas includecybersecurity, border security,forensic science,geospatial intelligence,measurement and signature intelligence, human intelligence analytics, and surveillance and reconnaissance systems.[56]
TheOffice of Transport Security (OTS) is the protective security regulator for the aviation and maritime sectors and the principal transport security advisory entity of Australia. An entity of theDepartment of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the OTS works with the states and territories, other government agencies, international bodies, and the aviation and maritime industry to improve security and prevent transport security incidents. The OTS develops and provides transport security intelligence, transport security policy and planning, and transport security regulation and compliance.
TheAustralian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO) ofDepartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the non-proliferation ofweapons of mass destruction. ASNO consists of the Australian Safeguards Office (ASO), the Chemical Weapons Convention Office (CWCO), and the Australian Comprehensive Test Ban Office (ACTBO). ASNO ensures that Australia's international obligations are met under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Australia's NPT safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and Australia's various bilateral safeguards agreements. ASNO has four main areas of responsibility in the nuclear area which are application of safeguards in Australia, the physical protection and security of nuclear items in Australia, the operation of Australia's bilateral safeguards agreements, and the contribution to the operation and development of IAEA safeguards and the strengthening of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. ASNO also ensures that Australia's international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) are met whilst promoting their international implementation particularly in the Asia-Pacific. ASNO also contributes to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.
TheAustralian Army Intelligence Corps (AUSTINT) is a corps of theAustralian Army for strategic, operational and tacticalmilitary intelligence.[57] The Corps also provides staff to theDefence Intelligence Organisation,Australian Signals Directorate andAustralian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation as well as major Australian Defence Force command headquarters.[58][59]
TheAustralian Special Operations Command is a command within theAustralian Defence Force uniting allAustralian Armyspecial forces including theSpecial Air Service Regiment and theSpecial Operations Engineer Regiment.
TheDefence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS) (formerly the Defence Security Authority) supports theDepartment of Defence and theAustralian Defence Force withprotective security matters. The DSVS has responsibilities for developing and promulgating security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy, monitoring and reporting on security compliance, performance and risks, investigating serious and complex security incidents, granting security clearances for Defence and Defence Industry Security Program members, and conducting clearance revalidations and re-evaluations, assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation, and managing the Defence Industry Security Program. The DSVS also oversees the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.[60]
TheAustralian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) is the agency responsible for complex and major investigations involving theAustralian Defence Force.
TheNational Security Advisor (NSA)[61] was a position that existed under theRudd government andGillard government from 2007 to 2013 which was the chief advisor for national security and international security policy and co-ordination, with the rank of Associate Secretary of the National Security and International Policy Group of theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The National Security Advisor served as the Chair and or Co-Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Board.
TheHeads of Intelligence Agencies Meeting (HIAM) andForeign Intelligence Coordination Committee (FCIC) were senior deliberative and co-ordination bodies of the Australian Intelligence Community for the consideration of issues relating specifically to Australia's foreign intelligence activities. It was chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.[6]
TheDefence Intelligence Board (DIB) is a former governance entity with responsibility for the oversight and strategic co-ordination of military intelligence and theDefence Intelligence and Security Group. Chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Intelligence and Security, the DIB included representation from ONA, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, and Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force.
TheJoint Intelligence Organisation is the predecessor to theDefence Intelligence Organisation and theOffice of National Assessments with former responsibilities for the analysis of defence and foreign intelligence.
TheAllied Intelligence Bureau was a joint United States-Australian-Dutch-Britishhuman intelligence andcovert action agency in thePacific Ocean theatre of World War II.
TheCentral Bureau was a jointAlliedmilitary intelligencesignals intelligence organisation attached to theSouth West Pacific Command. Central Bureau's role was to research anddecrypt interceptedImperial Japanese Army land and air traffic and work in close co-operation with other signals intelligence units in the US, United Kingdom and India.
TheFleet Radio Unit was a jointRoyal Australian Navy-United States Navysignals intelligence unit inMelbourne (FRUMEL), attached to theUnited States Seventh Fleet.
TheCombined Field Intelligence Service also known as theCoastwatchers was anAlliedmilitary intelligence initiative. TheAustralian Commonwealth Naval Board first established the coastwatching organisation, operated through the Naval Intelligence Division, in 1922. Originally confined to Australia, it expanded after the outbreak of war in 1939 toNew Guinea and to theSolomon Islands. Coastwatchers were stationed on remotePacific islands during thePacific Ocean theatre of World War II to observe enemy movements and rescue stranded Allied personnel particularly in theSouth West Pacific theatre and as an early warning network during theGuadalcanal campaign.
TheServices Reconnaissance Department also known asSpecial Operations Australia (SOA) and theInter-Allied Services Department was anAustralian Defence Forcemilitary intelligence andspecial reconnaissance unit duringWorld War II. It was modelled initially on the BritishSpecial Operations Executive (SOE). TheAllied Intelligence Bureau acted as its controlling body from 1942, with the Services Reconnaissance Department becoming Section A within the Allied Intelligence Bureau. The Services Reconnaissance Department oversaw intelligence-gathering, reconnaissance and raiding missions in Japanese-occupied areas ofNew Guinea, theDutch East Indies (Indonesia),Portuguese Timor (East Timor), theMalayan Peninsula,British Borneo and Singapore.
Australia
Five Eyes
Overseas
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) AUSTRAC Overview