Legislation

ASIO's functions and powers are determined by the Parliament of Australia and set out in legislation.

This framework provides assurance to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian community that we operate strictly within our legislative framework in performing our role and functions.

As ASIO is the only agency in the Australian intelligence community authorised in the course of our normal duties to undertake investigations into, and collect intelligence on, the activities of Australian citizens, we operate within a particularly stringent oversight and accountability framework.

The foundation of this framework is the ASIO Act, which has been crafted to ensure there is an appropriate balance between individual rights and the public’s collective right to security.

Key pieces of legislation that govern our roles and functions and use of special powers and oversight include:

• The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 
• The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979
• The Intelligence Services Act 2001
• The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986