ASIO and National Security

ASIO is one of a number of agencies that contribute to protecting Australia's national security.

In his 4 December 2008 National Security Statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister described Australia's security environment as increasingly fluid and characterised by a complex and dynamic mix of continuing and emerging challenges.  He emphasised that an integrated approach was required by Australia's national security agencies to address the challenges of this environment.

ASIO contributes to a whole-of-government national security efforts by collecting, analysing and reporting intelligence on those threats to security described in the ASIO Act, principally threats from politically motivated violence and espionage.  We work closely with a wide range of partners, including Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, foreign liaison partners and industry, who provide support and information that allows us to fulfil our responsibilities.

In turn, our advice and reporting contributes to our national security partners' understanding of Australia's security environment and assists them to, among other things, decide when to act against security threats or to institute protective security measures.  ASIO works collaboratively with its partners to share and further develop Australia's national security capabilities.

The Counter-Terrorism White Paper, Securing Australia – Protecting our Community, which was released in February 2010, sets out Australia’s counter-terrorism objectives and the means by which the Government will pursue them.  One of the important initiatives out of the White Paper is the Counter Terrorism Control Centre (CTCC).  The CTCC was established in ASIO on 10 May 2010 and is comprised of highly experienced, senior staff from ASIO, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Defence Signals Directorate, and the Australian Federal Police.

The CTCC will enhance integration of Australia's Counter-Terrorism Capabilities and improve our ability to detect and prevent terrorist threats to Australia and its interests.