Role of the Inspector-General

1. The position of Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) derives its authority from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986.

2. The IGIS is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Leader of the Opposition is required to be consulted by the Prime Minister, prior to any nomination being put forward. The IGIS is appointed for a fixed term of up to three years and is eligible to be reappointed for one further term of office.

3. The function of the IGIS is to help the Government of the day to oversee and review the activities of the following bodies:

  • Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO);
  • Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS);
  • Defence Signals Directorate (DSD);
  • Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO); and
  • Office of National Assessments (ONA).

4. The primary duty of the IGIS is to provide assurance to the Government, and through it, the wider community, that Australia's intelligence and security agencies:

  • conduct their activities within the law;
  • act with propriety;
  • comply with ministerial guidelines and directives; and
  • have regard to human rights.

5. It is also the job of the IGIS to:

  • promote appropriate standards of ethical behaviour within each agency;
  • bring the agencies to account if they fail to meet reasonable expectations in regard to standards of conduct; and
  • help reassure the public if concerns about the activities of these agencies are misplaced.

6. The IGIS can undertake an inquiry into the activities of an agency in response to a complaint, on reference from a responsible Minister, or may conduct an 'own motion' inquiry.

7. The IGIS can require the attendance of witnesses before him, take sworn evidence, copy and retain documents, and obtain entry into an agency's premises in the course of the conduct of an inquiry. The IGIS can also conduct preliminary inquiries to decide whether or not to undertake a full inquiry.

8. Inquiries are not conducted publicly, as most investigations are concerned with, or touch on, national security issues.