Australian Intelligence Community

The Australian Government agencies that constitute the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC) and National Security Community are as follows:

Governance entities

National Security Committee of Cabinet

The National Security Committee (NSC) of Cabinet is a Cabinet committee and the peak ministerial decision-making body on national security, intelligence and defence matters. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and the membership includes the Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney-General, Treasurer, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence, and the ministerial Cabinet Secretary. The Secretaries for each respective public service department as well as the Chief of the Defence Force, the Director-General of Security and the Directors-General of the Office of National Assessments and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.^[1][2][3][4]

Secretaries Committee on National Security

The Secretaries Committee on National Security (SCNS) (formerly the Secretaries Committee on Intelligence and Security) is the senior inter-departmental committee supporting the National Security Committee. It considers all major matters to be put before the NSC and has a strong role in ensuring that Australia maintains a coordinated policy approach on all national security issues. Membership of the SCNS includes the Secretaries of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of the Treasury, the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, and the Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. Other senior officials including the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Crime Commission, and the Heads of ASIO, ASIS, AGD, ASD, and DIO also attended when needed.^[5]

Australian and New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee

The Australian and New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC) is a bilateral and intergovernmental high level body to coordinate counterterrorism capabilities, crisis management, command and control, intelligence and investigation functions composed of representatives from the Australian Government, Australian state and territory governments and the New Zealand Government. Formally the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC), in October 2012, the New Zealand Government became members to encourage closer dialogue on matters of bilateral interest relevant to counter-terrorism. It was established by the Inter-Governmental Agreement in October 2002 to contribute to the security of the Australian community through coordination of a nationwide cooperative framework, known as the National Counter-Terrorism Plan.^[6]

Australian Counter Terrorism Centre and Joint Counter Terrorism Board

The Australian Counter-Terrorism Centre (ACTC) is an intergovernmental multi-agency body that coordinates counterterrorism in Australia. The ACTC provides strategic direction to set strategic counter-terrorism priorities, coordinate counter-terrorism policy, inform operational counter-terrorism priorities, evaluate performance on priorities, and identify and fix impediments to effective coordination of counterterrorism. Membership of the ACTC includes senior officials from ASIO, AFP, ASIS, ASD, AGO, ACBPS, ACC, the Department of Defence, DFAT, DIBP, and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD).^[7]

National Intelligence Coordination Committee

The National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC) is to ensure that Australia's foreign, security and law enforcement intelligence activities are closely aligned and consistent with our national security priorities, and that the national intelligence effort is effectively integrated. It is chaired by the National Security Adviser and contains representation from all intelligence and security agencies.^[8][9]

• The National Intelligence Collection Management Committee (NICMC) is a subcommittee of the National Intelligence Coordination Committee and is responsible for setting specific requirements and evaluating collection effort against each of the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs). It is chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.^[10]
• The National Intelligence Open Source Committee (NIOSC) is a subcommittee of the National Intelligence Coordination Committee and is responsible for enhancing the coordination and capabilities of the national intelligence community’s open source efforts. It is chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.^[11]

Defence Intelligence Board

The Defence Intelligence Board (DIB) has responsibility for the oversight and strategic coordination of military intelligence and the Defence Intelligence and Security Group. Chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Intelligence and Security, the DIB includes representation from ONA, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, and Australian Army, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Heads of Intelligence Agencies Meeting

The Heads of Intelligence Agencies Meeting (HIAM) brings together a sub-group of the all the national intelligence agencies comprising to consider issues relating specifically to Australia’s foreign intelligence activities. It is chaired by the Director General of the Office of National Assessments.^[12]

Policy entities

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

The National Security and International Policy Group is in Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and led by the Deputy Secretary for National Security and International Policy and provides advice on Australia's foreign, trade and treaty matters, defence, intelligence, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border security and emergency management matters; coordinates security-related science and technology research matters; and plays a coordinating leadership role in the development of integrated, whole-of-government national security policy. The National Security and International Policy Group comprises three divisions each led by a First Assistant Secretary as well as the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator with the rank of Deputy Secretary.

• The National Security Adviser (NSA)^[13] was a position that existed under the Rudd Government and Gillard Government from 2007 to 2013 which was the chief advisor for national security and international security policy and coordination.
• The Office of the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator provides strategic advice and support to the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism (CT) Coordinator, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter-Terrorism and the Prime Minister on all aspects of counterterrorism and countering violent extremism policy and coordination.^[14] The Office was created after recommendations from the Review of Australia's Counter-Terrorism Machinery in 2015 in response to the 2014 Sydney hostage crisis.^[15]
• The International Division provides advice, coordination and leadership on Australia’s foreign, trade, aid and treaty matters and priorities, including bilateral relations, relationships with regional and international organisations, free trade negotiations and whole-of-government priorities for the overseas aid program. It also includes the South, South-East Asia, Americas and the Middle East Branch and the North Asia, Europe, Pacific, Africa and Trade Branch.
• The National Security Division provides advice, coordination and leadership on integrated, whole-of-government policy matters, priorities and strategy in the areas of military operations, defence strategy, domestic security and critical infrastructure protection. This Division is divided into the Defence Branch and the Domestic Security Unit.
• The Cyber Policy and Intelligence Division provides advice, coordination and leadership on integrated, whole-of-government policy matters, priorities and strategy in the areas of cyber security, cyberterrorism, and intelligence coordination matters. This Division is divided into the Intelligence Branch and the Cyber Policy Branch.

Attorney-General's Department

The Attorney-General's Department is the chief law office of Australia. The National Security and Emergency Management Group is responsible for policy development on national security and counterterrorism issues, coordination of crisis and emergency management arrangements, protective security and infrastructure protection, and provision of legal and legislative advice for national security and counterterrorism matters. The Group is made up of the following entities:

• The National Security Division is part of the National Security and Emergency Management Group and is responsible for national security policy, capability development, legislative reform and advice on issues including national security law, foreign fighters, counter-terrorism, telecommunications interception and surveillance laws, CBRN, and chemicals of security concern. It is made up of the Communications Security Branch, the Cyber Crime and Security Branch, the Foreign Involvement Taskforce, the National Security Policy Branch, the National Security Governance and Intelligence Branch, and the National Security Legal Adviser.^[16]
• Emergency Management Australia (EMA) is responsible for operational coordination of responses to all hazards, including natural disasters, terrorism and pandemics. Also incorporates the national security hotline, disaster relief, dignitary protection and protective security. EMA is headed by a Director-General and is made up of the Crisis Coordination Branch, the Disaster Recovery Branch, and the Protective Security Coordination Branch.
• The Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Unit is responsible for counter terrorism legislation, providing support to intelligence agencies within the department, and ensuring the department's international engagement on counter terrorism supports Australia's interests in the region.
• The Countering Violent Extremism Centre is responsible for the policy development and coordination of countering violent extremism policies, programmes and strategies including counter radicalisation, counter narrative and community cohesion actitivies.^[17]
• The Security and Integrity Reform Branch is responsible for administering protective security policy, fraud control policy, and integrity arrangements for national security.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The International Security Division is the international security and foreign intelligence policy and governance coordination entity of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is divided into three branches each led by an Assistant Secretary:

• The Counter-Terrorism Branch coordinates international counter-terrorism policy and activities. The branch is headed by the Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism with the rank of Assistant Secretary.
• The Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation Branch coordinates international arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation policy.
• The Strategic Issues and Intelligence Branch provides analysis, research and advice on strategic issues, foreign intelligence and other international security affairs.

Department of Defence

The Defence Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group was established on 8 February 2016 as a key recommendation of the First Principles Review of the Australian Defence Organisation.^[18] The Group integrates the policy, strategy and intelligence functions of the Australian Defence Organisation to deliver high-quality advice to the Australian Government, the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force. The Group is led by a Deputy Secretary and comprises five divisions and three intelligence agencies.

• The Contestability Division provides arms-length internal contestability functions across the capability life-cycles as to ensure the capability needs and requirements of the Australian Defence Organisation are aligned with strategy and resources.^[19]
• The Defence Industry Policy Division has responsibility for the implementation of defence industry policy, engagement and innovation as well as Australian export controls.^[20]
• The International Policy Division provides strategic-level policy advice to the Australian Government on the central issues of Australia's defence policy, including international defence relations and ADF operations.^[21]
• The Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication Division provides communications, executive and liaison services for the Australian Defence Organisation.^[22]
• The Strategic Policy Division develops policy, military strategy and strategic planning and advice for the Australian Government, senior Defence leaders and other government agencies on the strategic implications of defence and national security matters.^[23]

Primary entities

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is Australia's national security service with the main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia's national security. The ASIO Act defines "security" as the protection of Australia's territorial and border integrity from serious threats, and the protection of Australia and its people from espionage, sabotage, politically motivated violence, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia's defence system, and acts of foreign interference. ASIO also includes the Counter-Terrorism Control Centre which is responsible for setting and managing counter-terrorism priorities, identifying intelligence requirements, and ensuring the processes of collecting and distributing counter terrorism information are fully harmonised and effective. The National Threat Assessment Centre is also part of ASIO and is responsible for analysis of terrorist threats to Australian interests overseas and terrorist threats and threats from violent protests in Australia.^[24]

• The National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC) of ASIO prepares assessments of the likelihood and probable nature of terrorism and protest violence, including against Australia, Australians and Australian interests here and abroad, special events and international interests in Australia. Threat Assessments support jurisdictions and agencies to make risk management decisions to determine how best to respond to the threat and mitigate risk.^[25]
• The Business Liaison Unit (BLU) of ASIO provides a conduit between the private sector and the Australian Intelligence Community. It seeks to provide industry security and risk managers with credible, intelligence-backed reporting that enables them to brief executive management and staff authoritatively, and to use this knowledge for their risk management and continuity planning.^[26]
• The Counter Terrorism Control Centre (CTCC) is a multi-agency located within ASIO which sets and manages counter-terrorism priorities, identifies intelligence requirements, and ensures that the processes of collecting and distributing counter-terrorism information are fully harmonised and effective across the spectrum of Australia’s counter-terrorism activity. The CTCC has senior level representation from ASIS, AFP, ASD, and AGO.^[27]

Australian Secret Intelligence Service

The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) is Australia's overseas secret HUMINT collection agency with the mission to protect and promote Australia's vital interests through the provision of unique foreign intelligence services as directed by Government. ASIS's primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia's interests and the well-being of its citizens.^[28]

Office of National Assessments

The Office of National Assessments (ONA) produces all-source assessments on international political, strategic and economic developments as an independent body directly accountable to the Prime Minister and provides advice and assessments to other Senior Ministers in the National Security Committee of Cabinet, and Senior Officials of Government Departments. ONA operates under its own legislation and has responsibility for coordinating and evaluating Australia's foreign intelligence activities. It draws its information from other intelligence agencies, as well as diplomatic reporting, information and reporting from other government agencies, and open source material.^[29]

• The Open Source Centre (OSC) of ONA collects, researches, and analyses open source information in support of Australia's national security. In line with ONA's mandate under the ONA Act, the OSC focuses on international developments that affect Australia's national interests. Its principal customers are the departments and agencies that make up Australia's national intelligence community.^[30]

Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation

The Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) was established by amalgamating the Australian Imagery Organisation, the Directorate of Strategic Military Geographic Information, and the Defence Topographic Agency to provide geospatial intelligence, from imagery and other sources, in support of the Australian Defence Force and national security interests.^[31]

Defence Intelligence Organisation

The Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) is the national military intelligence and intelligence assessment agency that provides services and advice at the national security level with the mandate to support the Australian Defence Force, Department of Defence and the Australian Government and national security decision-making and to assist with the planning and conduct of Australian Defence Force operations.^[32]

Australian Signals Directorate

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is responsible for collection, analysis and distribution of foreign signals intelligence and is the national authority on communications, information, cyber and computer security. The ASD also includes the Cyber Security Operations Centre which coordinates and assists with operational responses to cyber events of national importance and provides government with a consolidated understanding of the cyber threat through its intrusion detection, analytic and threat assessment capabilities.^[33]

• The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) of the ASD is responsible for information and communication technology security operations and coordination. The ACSC also identifies and researched emerging threats and provides analytic capabilities and techniques to respond to cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and cyberwarfare. The ACSC integrates the cyber security functions of ASD, the DIO and Defence Science and Technology Organisation cyber functions, the Attorney-General’s Department Computer Emergency Response Team, AFP and ACC cybercrime investigators, and ASIO telecommunication security specialists.^[34]

Secondary entities

Australian Army Intelligence Corps

The Australian Army Intelligence Corps (AUSTINT, AIC) is a corps of the Australian Army which serves as the principal military intelligence unit of the Australian Defence Force and provides staff to the Defence Intelligence and Security Group and major Australian Defence Force commands and staff organisations.^[35][36]

Australian Federal Police

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the federal law enforcement agency under the Attorney-General's Department. It provides criminal intelligence and other intelligence capabilities across all operational functions and crime types. Divided into operational intelligence teams, the division collects, collates, analyses and disseminates intelligence on nationally significant criminal issues of interest to the AFP. Areas of intelligence operations extend to crime related to people smuggling, illicit drugs, human trafficking and sexual servitude, financial crime, counter-terrorism, high-tech crime, and child sex tourism.^[37]

• The Intelligence Division is the criminal intelligence and national security intelligence division of the AFP. The Intelligence Division is project-driven and multi-jurisdictional in its functions, utilising capabilities from the AFP National Headquarters and the relevant field offices.
• The Joint Counter Terrorism Teams (JCTT) of the AFP operate in each state and territory jurisdiction consisting of AFP, state and territory police, and ASIO officers. JCTTs conduct investigations to prevent, respond to and investigate terrorist threats and attacks in Australia.^[38]
• The Australian Bomb Data Centre (ABDC) of the AFP is Australia's primary source of information and intelligence relating to the unlawful use of explosives. The ABDC officially began operations on 1 July 1978, and it is therefore one of the oldest bomb data centres in the world. The ABDC is concerned both with criminals who use explosives for their own benefit and with those who use explosives and bombs for terrorism. It maintains records of all bomb-related incidents reported to it, regardless of design, target or motive. The ABDC is staffed by members of the AFP as well as members of the Australian Defence Force.^[39]
• The Australian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) is a national crybercrime and cybersecurity organisation located within the AFP with staff from ASIO and ASD.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) is Australia's national criminal intelligence agency with investigative, research and information delivery functions under the Attorney-General's Department. It has a range of statutory functions centred on intelligence collection, dissemination and investigations regarding nationally significant, complex, serious and or major crimes. The ACIC recommends national criminal intelligence priorities (NCIPs), works collaboratively with international partners and federal, state and territory agencies, and maintains ongoing powers similar to a Royal Commission. The ACIC shapes the national agenda on fighting serious crime, provides solutions for national serious crime priorities and maintains a leading capability in national criminal intelligence.^[40]

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection manages the security and integrity of Australia’s borders. It works closely with other government and international agencies to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border.

• The Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service provides front-line response capability to act when persons of national security interest attempt to cross the border. The CTU is capable of deploying rapidly across Australia to address national security and where appropriate other border risks where they manifest and is a designated Use of Force organisation.^[41]
• The Intelligence Division of the ACBPS is responsible for the assessment of new and emerging threats to the border and customs and the provision of intelligence and targeting that informs and underpins risk mitigation. The division consists of the Intelligence Analysis and Assessments Branch and the Operational Intelligence Branch.
• The National Border Targeting Centre (NBTC) of the ACBPS is a border security intelligence organisation established to target high-risk international passengers and cargo, particularly illicit substances and potential terrorists. The NBTC includes staff from the AFP, ASIO, ACC, DFAT, Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Transport Security.
• The Strategic Border Command (SBC) of the ACBPS is the formal command and control entity for border security, distinct from the Border Protection Command. The SBC comprises the Investigations, Compliance and Enforcement Branch and the Special Investigations and Programmes Branch along with regional commands in NSW/ACT, VIC/TAS, QLD, WA, and Central.
• The Border Protection Command is a Royal Australian Navy and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service joint command which provides security for Australia's offshore maritime areas. Combining the resources and expertise of the ACBPS and the RAN, and working with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and other government agencies, it delivers a coordinated national approach to Australia's offshore maritime security.

Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office

The Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. ASNO consists of the Australian Safeguards Office (ASO), the Chemical Weapons Convention Office (CWCO), and the Australian Comprehensive Test Ban Office (ACTBO). ASNO ensures that Australia's international obligations are met under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Australia's NPT safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and Australia's various bilateral safeguards agreements. ASNO has four main areas of responsibility in the nuclear area which are application of safeguards in Australia, the physical protection and security of nuclear items in Australia, the operation of Australia's bilateral safeguards agreements, and the contribution to the operation and development of IAEA safeguards and the strengthening of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. ASNO also ensures that Australia's international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) are met whilst promoting their international implementation particularly in the Asia-Pacific. ASNO also contributes to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.

Office of Transport Security

The Office of Transport Security (OTS) is the protective security regulator for the aviation and maritime sectors and the principal transport security advisory entity of Australia. An entity of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the OTS works with the states and territories, other government agencies, international bodies, and the aviation and maritime industry to improve security and prevent transport security incidents. The OTS develops and provides transport security intelligence, transport security policy and planning, and transport security regulation and compliance.

Defence Security Authority

The Defence Security Authority (DSA) of the Defence Intelligence and Security Group supports the Department of Defence Groups and the Australian Defence Force with protective security matters. The DSA’s responsibilities include developing and promulgating security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy, monitoring and reporting on security compliance, performance and risks, investigating serious and complex security incidents, granting security clearances for Defence and Defence Industry Security Program members, and conducting clearance revalidations and re-evaluations, assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation, and managing the Defence Industry Security Program.^[42]

CrimTrac

CrimTrac is the national criminal information agency under the Attorney-General's Department. It is responsible for delivering national policing information services, developing and maintaining national information-sharing services between state, territory and federal law enforcement agencies, consolidating criminal intelligence, and providing national criminal history record checks for accredited agencies. CrimTrac develops, maintains and provides the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database, the National Child Offender System, the Child Exploitation Tracking System, the National Police Reference System, the National Firearms Licensing and Registration System, the National Vehicles of Interest Register, and the National Police Checking Service.

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is the national financial intelligence agency under the Attorney-General's Department. It is responsible for gathering intelligence on and regulating money laundering, terrorism financing and major financial crimes.^[43][44]

Oversight entities

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS)

Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS)

Australian National Audit Office

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)

Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity

The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity

Australian Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission

Commonwealth Ombudsman

The Commonwealth Ombudsman

Inspector of Transport Security

The Inspector of Transport Security is the national oversight entity for transport security and the Office of Transport Security. Under the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Inspector of Transport Security inquires into major transport or offshore security incident or a pattern or series of incidents that point to a systemic failure or possible weakness of aviation or maritime transport security regulatory systems.

Independent National Security Legislation Monitor

The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor https://web.archive.org/web/20150104064500/http://www.protectivesecurity.gov.au/governance/Pages/Australian-Government-protective-security-roles-and-responsibilities.aspx#PSPC

Legislative frameworks

• Intelligence Services Act 2001
• Intelligence Services Amendment Act 2004
• Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010

See also

• List of intelligence agencies

In Australia

• Australian Special Operations Command
• Australian Special Forces
• Australian Law Enforcement

In other countries

• United States Intelligence Community
• Pakistani Intelligence Community
• Russian Intelligence Community

References

External links

• IGIS - Australian Intelligence Community Overview
• ONA - Australian Intelligence Community Agencies, Functions, Accountability and Oversight (2006)
• Security Challenges Vol. 3 No. 4 (11/2007) The Australian Intelligence Community in 2020
• ONA History of the Australian Intelligence Community
• DPMC 2004 Report of the Inquiry into Australian Intelligence Agencies
• Australian Human Rights Commission Independent Review of the Intelligence Community April 2011
• Office of National Assessments Timeline of the Australian Intelligence Community