Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation

What DIGO does

287. The Australian Imagery Organisation (AIO) formally changed its name during the reporting period to become the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO). This change was made to better reflect the functions and focus of the organisation following the transfer to it of the Defence Topographical Agency and its controlling Defence headquarters element.

288. DIGO has prime responsibility for the acquisition and interpretation of satellite and other imagery and for the development, acquisition and exploitation of geospatial data.

289. This means that DIGO collects and analyses images of foreign and domestic subjects (eg. landforms, waterways, disputed territories etc.), and develops mapping products for a range of Commonwealth agencies and the Australian Defence Force.

290. Detailed technical analysis of imagery obtained by DIGO can reveal information that is of value to key decision makers in the development of policies that are in the national interest, and of possible benefit in national and international emergency management.

291. DIGO also has the capacity to combine imagery with other available sources of data to prepare highly accurate topographical maps and other aids that are of value in the preparation of plans relevant to national defence and security.

Accountability arrangements

292. During the reporting period DIGO continued to pursue a number of initiatives to formally establish itself as a separate agency. These initiatives included the preparation and endorsement of a charter, representation on a range of committees in its own right, and work on a number of consequential legislative amendments.

293. As noted in last year's annual report, one piece of legislation that needs to be amended is the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986, which currently makes no reference to DIGO.

294. Until this situation is rectified, the Director DIGO and I have agreed that I should oversee the activities of DIGO as if the IGIS Act had already been amended. The Minister for Defence has endorsed this approach.

Protection of Australians´ privacy

295. My office had regular contact with DIGO during the reporting period for the purpose of establishing an accountability regime appropriate to DIGO's activities.

296. While DIGO's collection priorities are focussed outside Australia, there are occasions when it collects images of Australian territory. Such imagery can be used in support of defence and security operations, for law enforcement purposes, where the safety of Australians is at risk, and for disaster management.

297. The scope for collection of imagery which could intrude upon the privacy of Australians is very limited. Nevertheless, my office has been closely involved with the Director DIGO and his staff in developing rules to ensure that the intrusiveness of DIGO's activities in relation to Australia is limited to what is strictly necessary to the performance of DIGO's functions.

298. This work has resulted in the development of Rules Governing DIGO's Activities in Respect of Australia and Australians. These rules, which were endorsed by the National Security Committee of Cabinet in November 2000, are similar in nature to the rules which apply to the collection and reporting activities of ASIS and DSD.

Inspection activities

299. My staff and I have received comprehensive briefings on DIGO's capabilities from the Director and his staff. These briefings have been helpful in planning our inspection activities.

300. Following endorsement of the rules, we visited DIGO several times to monitor the organisation's compliance with them.

301. Apart from raising some minor procedural issues following our first visit, we were satisfied that all necessary approvals had been obtained in respect of tasking involving Australian locations and that DIGO's records are being kept in good order.

302. We were especially impressed by the ready acceptance by DIGO staff of the nationality rules and the rationale underlying them.

Complaints and inquiries

303. The office received no complaints or referrals concerning DIGO during the reporting period.

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