THE YEAR 2001-2002 IN PROSPECT
318. The following is a summary of the main activities planned for the office of Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security during the next reporting period.
INSPECTION ACTIVITY
ASIO
319. We intend to inspect all requests for warrants and associated documentation.
320. We will continue monitoring ASIO's access to and use of AUSTRAC and ATO records, to ensure compliance with the MOUs under which this access is provided.
321. 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.
322. 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.
323. Where ASIO obtains details about Australians from DSD reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIO.
324. We will review ASIO's procedures for controlling the use of alternative documentation associated with assumed identities.
325. We will continue to monitor ASIO's performance with regard to its obligations under the Archives Act 1983.
326. 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.
327. We have received a copy of ASIO's internal audit program for the next 12 months and will obtain reports on reviews that are of interest to this office.
ASIS
328. We plan to inspect records relating to ASIS's compliance with the Rules for the Retention and Communication by ASIS of Foreign Intelligence Information Concerning Australian Persons approximately every two months. 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.
329. It will be necessary to review the rules if the Intelligence Services Bill is enacted, since the legislation requires the Inspector-General be consulted before these rules are implemented.
330. We will continue to review all ASIS reports on a regular basis, to independently assess the incidence of reporting in which Australian persons or entities are named.
331. We will also continue to independently cross-check ASIS's daily reporting to assess the effectiveness of its systems for identifying and recording occasions where Australian persons or entities have been identified.
332. I will inspect the written advice ASIS provides to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to ASIS operations.
333. Should the Intelligence Services Bill be enacted I will review all directives and authorisations issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
334. We will continue to inspect operational files with regard to the legality and propriety of the conduct of ASIS officers in the field.
335. Where ASIS obtains details about Australians from DSD reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIS.
336. 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.
337. We will review ASIS's procedures for controlling the use of alternative documentation associated with assumed identities.
DSD
338. Our principal activity will be to regularly inspect DSD's compliance with its obligations under the Rules on Foreign Signals Intelligence and Australian Persons.
339. Should the Intelligence Services Bill be enacted it will be necessary to review the rules, since the legislation requires the Inspector-General to be consulted before they are implemented.
340. The bill also requires the Inspector-General to review all directives and authorisations issued by the Minister for Defence.
341. We will continue to independently cross-check DSD's daily reporting to assess the effectiveness of its systems for identifying and recording occasions where reports identify Australians.
342. I plan to examine all DSD submissions to the Minister for Defence on operational matters.
343. We expect DSD will continue to consult with my office on a range of operational matters. We will in turn continue to assist with prompt advice on issues related to legality and propriety.
344. We plan to visit and inspect the operations of at least one DSD facility outside Canberra each year.
DIGO
345. 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.
346. We will encourage DIGO to proceed with legislation to formalise this office's jurisdiction over the organisation.
INQUIRIES
347. Four 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.
348. It is not possible to predict future inquiry workload but there is no reason to expect any significant departure from previous years' patterns.