ASIO is Australia's domestic security service but our work has an international dimension.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (The ASIO Act) states ASIO is responsible for protecting against threats to security, "whether directed from, or committed within, Australia or not". Security issues related to Australia requiring investigation may be uncovered anywhere in the world. ASIO's overseas liaison network helps discover and respond to such threats.
ASIO engages with foreign services on a range of matters. This overseas network provides Australia with an amplified intelligence reach that it could not replicate on its own.
ASIO benefits from relationships with more than 350 partner agencies from over 130 countries. This network allows us to share and gain access to valuable intelligence and utilise shared capabilities.
Just as our overseas counterparts connect with ASIO officers overseas, we actively engage with Australia-based liaison officers from foreign intelligence services. This supports our coordinated collaborative work with international partners against a range of threats to Australia's security.
Find out more about the history of ASIO's international cooperation.