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IGIS Annual Report 1999-00 |
IGIS Annual Report 1999-00
AUSTRALIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION
WHAT ASIO DOES
54. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is Australia's security service. Its functions are set out in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. It is also subject to guidelines issued by the Attorney-General. The Act and guidelines are available on the ASIO internet site (http://www.asio.gov.au).
55. ASIO's main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia's national security. It is not a law enforcement agency.
56. The focus of ASIO's work is on terrorists, people who may act violently for political reasons, and people who may clandestinely obtain sensitive government information or otherwise harm Australia's interests in order to further their own causes or the interests of foreign governments.
57. ASIO does not investigate lawful protest activity nor does it investigate the commission of criminal offences. It does not engage in surveillance of ordinary members of the community going about their normal business.
58. Other ASIO functions include providing security assessments, protective security advice and collecting foreign intelligence in Australia.