Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

the Director‑General gives a notice in writing to the Attorney‑General requesting the Attorney‑General to authorise the Organisation to obtain foreign intelligence in relation to a matter specified in the notice; and

the Attorney‑General is satisfied, on the basis of advice received from the Defence Minister or the Foreign Affairs Minister, that the collection of foreign intelligence relating to that matter is in the interests of Australia’s national security, Australia’s foreign relations or Australia’s national economic well‑being;