Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation

What DIGO does

392. The Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO) has prime responsibility for the acquisition and interpretation of satellite and other imagery and for the development, acquisition and exploitation of geospatial data.

393. 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.

394. 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.

395. 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

396. During the reporting period DIGO continued to pursue a number of initiatives to formally establish itself as a separate agency.

397. 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.

398. 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

399. We visited DIGO headquarters approximately every two to three months during the reporting period for the purpose of identifying and reviewing those of DIGO´s intelligence collection activities that may have had some impact upon Australians or Australian entities.

400. 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.

401. The scope for collection of imagery which could intrude upon the privacy of Australians is very limited and occurs subject to the Rules Governing DIGO´s Activities in Respect of Australia and Australians.

402. These rules, which were endorsed by the Minister for Defence in November 2000, embody similar principles to the ASIS and DSD privacy rules.

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

404. During the reporting period we raised several minor procedural issues with the Director DIGO. Each approach received a timely and appropriate response.

405. In overall terms, we were satisfied that all necessary approvals had been obtained in respect of all tasking involving Australian locations and that DIGO´s records are being kept in good order.

Complaints and inquiries

406. The office received one complaint about DIGO during the reporting period. This complaint did not require any inquiry action.

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