427. We intend to inspect all requests for warrants and associated documentation.

428. We will continue monitoring ASIO´s access to and use of AUSTRAC and taxation records, to ensure compliance with the MOUs under which this access is provided.

429. We propose also to inspect all requests for authorities to investigate (ATIs) generated in the Canberra office and as many ATIs as possible on visits to ASIO´s regional offices.

430. We will inspect the files on which actions resulting from the ATIs are recorded, examine records of authorities provided for less intrusive inquiries, and monitor the appropriateness of the existing policy.

431. Where ASIO obtains details about Australians from DSD or ASIS reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIO.

432. We will review ASIO’s procedures for controlling the use of alternative documentation associated with assumed identities.

433. We will continue to monitor ASIO´s performance with regard to its obligations under the Archives Act 1983.

434. We have a standing invitation from ASIO to address training courses for its staff on ethics and accountability. We expect to visit several ASIO offices for this purpose and to conduct inspection work when doing so.

435. We will monitor ASIO´s internal audit program for the next 12 months and obtain reports on reviews that are of interest to this office.

ASIS

436. We plan to inspect records relevant to ASIS´s compliance with the ASIS privacy rules on a daily basis and meet with relevant ASIS staff approximately every two months.

437. I expect also to have further discussions with ASIS management about issues relating to interpretation of the rules and the guidance ASIS provides to its staff.

438. We will review all submissions made to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for ministerial authorisations made under section 9 of the Intelligence Services Act.

439. We will continue to inspect operational files with regard to the legality and propriety of the conduct of ASIS officers in the field.

440. Where ASIS obtains details about Australians from DSD reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIS.

441. I will continue to meet with ASIS officers before they proceed on postings to reinforce that they are subject to internal and external scrutiny and are accountable for their conduct.

442. We will review ASIS´s procedures for controlling the use of alternative documentation associated with assumed identities.

443. I will continue to address ASIS training courses and other forums on ethics and accountability issues.

DSD

444. Our principal activity will be to monitor, on a close to real-time basis, DSD´s compliance with its obligations under the DSD privacy rules.

445. We intend to increase the frequency of our meetings with relevant DSD staff from once every eight weeks, to approximately once per month.

446. We will review all directives and authorisations issued by the Minister for Defence under the authority of the Intelligence Services Act.

447. We expect DSD will continue to consult us on a range of operational matters. We will in turn continue to assist with prompt advice on issues related to legality and propriety.

448. We will continue to address DSD training courses and other forums on ethics and accountability issues.

449. We plan to visit and inspect the operations of at least one DSD facility outside Canberra each year.

DIGO

450. My staff and I plan to visit DIGO on a regular basis to review the Organisation´s compliance with the Rules Governing DIGO´s Activities in Respect of Australia and Australians.

451. We will encourage DIGO to proceed with legislation to formalise this office´s jurisdiction over the organisation.

Inquiries

452. Six inquiries under the IGIS Act were in progress at the close of the reporting year. In each case I would expect to report to the relevant minister during the first half of the new reporting year.

453. It is not possible to predict future inquiry workload but there is no reason to expect any significant departure from previous years´ patterns.