Comments on ASIO 2018-19 Annual Report

Statement from the Director-General of Security, Mike Burgess

17 October 2019

This year marks ASIO's 70th anniversary of protecting Australia, Australians and Australian interests from serious threats to security. While the threats have evolved over the last 70 years, the one constant has been ASIO's resolute focus on protecting Australia from those who wish us harm.

Over the last three financial years, ASIO's operating and capital budget has been:

ASIO's budget for the current financial year is the highest it has ever been.

Australia's security environment is complex and marked by uncertainty. The terrorist threat remains unacceptably high, while the threat of espionage and foreign interference is on the increase. These circumstances are stretching current resources.

ASIO has a rigorous prioritisation system to ensure our resources are appropriately targeted to address the threat we face. We prioritise our finite resources across our primary work programs—counter-terrorism, counter-espionage and foreign interference, border integrity and protective security advice—to address activities posing the greatest potential harm to Australians and Australian interests.

In 2018 ASIO commenced a significant Enterprise Transformation Program to reform our business model and equip us with the tools to better respond to changes in our complex security and technology environments. This will ensure ASIO remains fit for purpose and continues to deliver the security outcomes the Australian people expect.

ASIO continues to be a highly capable organisation of Australians working tirelessly to protect Australia, its people and its interests.