Accountability

ASIO's functions and powers are determined by the Parliament of Australia and set out in legislation. ASIO operates under the control of the Director-General of Security with ministerial oversight exercised by the Attorney-General. ASIO also operates under an external oversight and accountability framework which provides assurance to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian community that ASIO operates strictly within its legislative framework in performing its role and functions. Key elements of this framework include:

• the provision of a highly classified Annual Report to the Government and an unclassified Report to Parliament which is available publicly;
• the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security;
• the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security;
• other Parliamentary committees, including the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs;
• the Security Appeals Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and
• the Attorney-General's Guidelines for governing ASIO's handling of sensitive aspects of its work.

In addition, ASIO's financial records and systems are subject to annual audit by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).

ASIO can also become involved in litigation and subjected to scrutiny by the courts. In recognition of the increased frequency and volume of work associated with ASIO's involvement in litigation matters, a separate Legal Division was established on 1 July 2007 to provide a sharper focus to this aspect of our work.