ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL
1. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) helps the ministers responsible for the following agencies to oversee and review their activities:
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Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO);
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Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS);
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Defence Signals Directorate (DSD);
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Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO);
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Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO); and
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Office of National Assessments (ONA).
2. The purpose of this oversight and review is to ensure that the agencies act legally and with propriety, comply with ministerial guidelines and directives and respect human rights.
3. The office was established by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (the IGIS Act) on 1 February 1987.
4. The Inspector-General can undertake an inquiry into the activities of an agency in response to a complaint or a reference from a minister. The Inspector-General can also act independently to initiate inquiries and conducts regular inspections and monitoring of agency activities.
5. In conducting an inquiry, the Inspector-General has significant powers which include requiring the attendance of witnesses, taking sworn evidence, copying and retention of documents and entry into an agency's premises. The Inspector-General can also conduct preliminary inquiries into matters in order to decide whether to initiate a full inquiry.
6. Further information about the role and functions of the Inspector-General can be found at http://www.igis.gov.au.