Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

The functions of the Organisation are:

to obtain, correlate and evaluate intelligence relevant to security; and

for purposes relevant to security, to communicate any such intelligence to such persons, and in such manner, as are appropriate to those purposes; and

to advise Ministers and authorities of the Commonwealth in respect of matters relating to security, in so far as those matters are relevant to their functions and responsibilities; and

to furnish security assessments and make preliminary communications to a State or an authority of a State in accordance with paragraphs 40(1)(b) and (1A)(a); and

to undertake security vetting and security clearance related activities in accordance with Part IVA; and

to advise Ministers, authorities of the Commonwealth and such other persons as the Minister, by notice in writing given to the Director‑General, determines on matters relating to protective security; and

to obtain within Australia foreign intelligence pursuant to section 27A or 27B of this Act or section 11A, 11B or 11C of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, and to communicate any such intelligence in accordance with this Act or the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; and

to co‑operate with and assist bodies referred to in section 19A in accordance with that section.

The Organisation’s function referred to in paragraph (cb) does not limit the capacity of any other authority of the Commonwealth to undertake the kinds of activities referred to in that paragraph.

It is not a function of the Organisation to carry out or enforce measures for security within an authority of the Commonwealth.