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IGIS Annual Report 1998-99 |
ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL
1. The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) helps the ministers responsible for the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), Defence Signals Directorate (DSD), Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) and Office of National Assessments (ONA) to oversee and review the activities of these agencies.
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. The office was established in 1987 by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 (the IGIS Act) on 1 February 1987. The Inspector-General can undertake an inquiry into the activities of an
agency in response to a complaint or a reference from a minister. Also, the Inspector-General can act independently to initiate inquiries.
3. 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.
| 1998-99 |