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IGIS Annual Report 1999-00 |
IGIS Annual Report 1999-00
THE YEAR 2000-2001 IN PROSPECT
INSPECTION ACTIVITY
281. 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.
ASIO
282. We intend to inspect all requests for warrants and associated documentation, including the new categories of warrants authorised by the ASIO Legislation Amendment Act 1999.
283. The office plans to monitor ASIO's access to and use of AUSTRAC and ATO records. The purpose of this monitoring will be to ensure compliance with the MOUs under which this access is provided.
284. 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. 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.
285. Where ASIO obtains details about Australians from DSD reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIO.
286. We also plan to be directly involved in a proposed review of the Attorney-General's Guidelines to ASIO in relation to its function of obtaining intelligence relevant to security.
287. We will continue to monitor ASIO's performance with regard to its obligations under the Archives Act 1983.
288. 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.
289. I intend to continue to meet with senior members of law enforcement bodies around Australia to discuss any issues arising out of the exchange of information between the various police services and ASIO.
ASIS
290. Inspection of records relating to ASIS's compliance with the nationality rules will remain a high priority and will be undertaken 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.
291. We propose cross-checking ASIS reports on a regular basis, to independently assess the incidence of reporting in which Australian persons or entities are named.
292. I will inspect the written advice ASIS provides to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to ASIS operations.
293. We will continue to inspect operational files with an eye to the legality and propriety of the conduct of ASIS officers in the field.
294. We intend examining the efficacy of the nationality rules, in collaboration with ASIS, and determining whether they require revision.
295. Where ASIS obtains details about Australians from DSD reporting we will, if necessary, examine the relevant records in ASIS.
296. 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.
DSD
297. Our principal activity will be regular inspection of DSD's compliance with its obligations under the nationality rules.
298. We intend, in collaboration with DSD, to examine the efficacy of the nationality rules and whether they require revision.
299. We will also continue to independently cross-check DSD's daily reporting to assess the effectiveness of its systems for identifying and recording occasions where Australian persons or entities have been identified.
300. I plan to examine all DSD submissions to the Minister for Defence on operational matters.
301. 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.
302. We plan to visit and inspect the operations of at least one DSD facility outside Canberra each year.
AIO
303. My staff and I propose developing an inspection program for the 2000-01 reporting period, the form of which will become clearer following increased contact with operational staff.
304. The focus of our inspection activity will, however, be on AIO's compliance with the nationality rules.