Accountability

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is accountable to the Australian Government and the independent Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. As an independent statutory agency ASD has corporate reporting obligations, in particular through meeting the requirements of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security regularly reviews and has oversight of ASD’s administration and resourcing.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security provides independent assurance that Australia’s intelligence and security agencies act legally and with propriety. The Inspector-General’s authority includes complete access to agency records and powers to require evidence. If you suspect wrongdoing, you can make a public interest disclosure to the Inspector-General.

Governance

ASD is governed by Australian law and the Australian Government.

Legislation

ASD is a statutory agency with functions established by the Intelligence Services Act 2001.

A specific function of ASD is to obtain signals intelligence about the capabilities, intentions or activities of people or organisations outside Australia for the purposes of meeting the requirements of the Australian Government. This function is to be performed only in the interests of Australia’s national security, Australia’s foreign relations or Australia’s national economic well-being.

ASD’s functions are to:

  • collect foreign signals intelligence
  • communicate foreign signals intelligence
  • prevent and disrupt offshore cyber-enabled crime
  • provide cyber security advice and assistance to Australian governments, businesses and individuals
  • support military operations
  • protect the specialised tools ASD uses to fulfil its functions
  • cooperate with and assist the national security community in the performance of its functions.

The Act requires the minister responsible for ASD to issue written directions to Director-General ASD, which must require the agency to seek authorisation from the minister before undertaking certain activities.

The minister responsible for ASD is also required to make privacy rules on how ASD is to protect the privacy of Australians.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security is responsible for overseeing ASD’s operations, including compliance with legislation. If you suspect wrongdoing, you can make a public interest disclosure to the Inspector-General.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security functions, as described under the Intelligence Services Act, are to review the administration and expenditure of the intelligence agencies and review matters related to the intelligence agencies referred by the responsible minister or the Parliament.

ASD complies with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and all other legislation regulating Australian Government agencies.

Acknowledgement of Country icon

Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connections to land, sea and communities. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and their Elders; past, present and emerging. We also recognise Australia's First Peoples' enduring contribution to Australia's national security.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra