Letter of transmittal
The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister,
Australian Signals Directorate Annual Report 2025–26
In accordance with section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance, and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and section 42A of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (ISA), I am pleased to present to you the Australian Signals Directorate's (ASD) Annual Report for 2025–26. This report contains information required by section 17AD of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule), and complies with section 46 of the PGPA Act as modified by the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Australian Signals Directorate Section 105D) Determination 2018.
As required by section 17AG(2) of the PGPA Rule, I certify that fraud risk assessments and fraud control plans have been prepared for ASD; that ASD has appropriate mechanisms in place for preventing, investigating, detecting, and reporting incidents of fraud; and that all reasonable measures have been taken to deal appropriately with fraud relating to ASD.
Yours sincerely,
Abigail Bradshaw CSC
Director-General
Australian Signals Directorate
21 September 2026
Director-General ASD's review
I am pleased to present the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) 2025–26 Annual Report.
ASD defends Australia from global threats and advances the national interest by providing foreign signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations, as directed by Government. Throughout 2025–26, ASD continued to fulfil its purpose.
During the past year, ASD’s signals intelligence provided critical insight into global strategic and military developments, enabling timely and informed decision-making by Government. Our intelligence products, technical expertise and advice delivered unique situational awareness to National Intelligence Community (NIC) partners and the broader Australian Government on threats to Australia’s security and prosperity.
ASD’s cyber security efforts remained essential to protecting Australia’s national security and economic prosperity. As cyber threats evolved, ASD worked proactively to enhance preparedness, strengthen collective cyber resilience and support the security of Australia’s digital environment. ASD also continued to deliver offensive and defensive cyber effects, including operations that have disrupted and degraded online infrastructure used by foreign cybercriminals targeting Australians. A particular focus has been to prepare networks against threats emerging from artificial intelligence (AI), as well as harnessing the benefits of AI for cyber defence.
ASD continued to work closely with domestic and international partners to enhance cyber threat awareness and support regional security. Through strategic cooperation, we leveraged shared capabilities, intelligence and expertise to address evolving cyber threats and advance collective security objectives. We contributed to and led a range of joint products with international partners, including cyber security advisories attributing malicious activity to state-sponsored cyber actors. This collaboration underscores our commitment to strengthening collective cyber resilience and supporting a secure, stable and prosperous region.
ASD has continued to meet the high standards expected by the Government and the Australian public through constructive engagement with parliamentary and independent oversight bodies, including the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS), the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS). These oversight arrangements provide assurance that ASD advances Australia’s national interests while operating within both the letter and spirit of the law.
We have continued to invest in ASD’s resilience to ensure we can deliver our mission now and into the future. We have also maintained a strong focus on growing our workforce through initiatives that attract, retain and develop talented people, ensuring ASD has the skills and capabilities required for the future.
Our people remain ASD’s greatest strength. I am privileged to lead a dedicated, talented and diverse workforce that works every day to protect Australia’s security and prosperity. The achievements outlined in this report are a testament to their expertise, commitment and service to the nation.
Abigail Bradshaw CSC
Director-General
Australian Signals Directorate