OFFICE OF NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
WHAT ONA DOES
311. The role of the Office of National Assessments is to produce analytical assessments of international developments. ONA produces reports on international developments and strategic and economic matters in order to assist the government and Commonwealth agencies in the formation of policy and plans.
312. ONA bases its assessments on information available both inside and outside government. It draws on secret intelligence collected by other agencies, as well as diplomatic reporting and open source material including news media and other publications.
313. Further information about ONA can be found at http://www.ona.gov.au.
ACCOUNTABILITY ARRANGEMENTS
314. As indicated above, ONA is an analytical agency rather than a collector of intelligence.
315. Recognition of this is reflected in the fact that the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act provides the Inspector-General with limited powers and responsibilities in relation to ONA.
316. Although the Inspector-General has few formal responsibilities for ONA, I have consultations with and briefings from the Director-General when necessary.
COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES
317. No new complaints during the reporting period specifically referred to ONA.
318. One complainant had concerns about employment within the Australian intelligence community, which required checking with each member of the AIC including ONA.
Bali terrorist attack
319. ONA provided full and enthusiastic assistance with the conduct of this inquiry, devoting major resources to the task of identifying and bringing to attention possibly relevant material. The body of the final report is classified, but the unclassified introduction and summary is at Annex 2 to this annual report.