exam study Flashcards
(42 cards)
Describe the rationale behind Australia’s national security legislative framework.
The rationale underpins the need to protect national interests, ensure public safety, and respond to threats while balancing civil liberties.
How does legislation influence the conduct of intelligence agencies in Australia?
Legislation provides the legal authority and guidelines for intelligence operations, ensuring they operate within the law and are accountable for their actions.
Evaluate the oversight mechanisms relevant to Australia’s intelligence community.
Oversight mechanisms include parliamentary committees, independent oversight bodies, and judicial review, which ensure transparency and accountability in intelligence operations.
Define the inherent tensions between effective intelligence governance and international human rights norms.
The tensions arise from the need for security measures that may infringe on individual rights, creating a conflict between national security objectives and the protection of human rights.
What is the role of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)?
ASIO is responsible for protecting Australia from threats to national security, including espionage, terrorism, and foreign interference.
How does the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) contribute to national security?
ASD provides cyber warfare capabilities, information security, and intelligence support to protect Australia’s interests in cyberspace.
Describe the distinction between domestic and foreign intelligence in Australia.
Domestic intelligence focuses on threats within Australia, while foreign intelligence pertains to threats originating from outside the country.
What is the significance of intelligence sharing in national security?
Intelligence sharing enhances collaboration among agencies, improves situational awareness, and strengthens responses to threats.
How do counter-terrorism laws impact intelligence operations in Australia?
Counter-terrorism laws provide the legal framework for intelligence agencies to prevent and respond to terrorist activities while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Define the role of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS).
PJCIS reviews the activities of intelligence agencies, ensuring they operate within the law and are held accountable to Parliament.
What is the function of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS)?
IGIS provides independent oversight of Australia’s intelligence agencies, ensuring their compliance with the law and protecting the rights of individuals.
How does electronic surveillance law affect intelligence gathering?
Electronic surveillance law regulates the use of surveillance technologies, ensuring that intelligence gathering is conducted legally and ethically.
Describe the impact of cyber security regulation on national security.
Cyber security regulation establishes standards and practices to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber threats.
Describe the purpose of ASIO.
ASIO, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, is responsible for protecting Australia from threats such as espionage, terrorism, and foreign interference.
How is ASIO structured?
ASIO is led by the Director-General of Security, who reports to the Attorney-General, and has a central office in Canberra along with local offices in each mainland state and territory.
Define the powers of ASIO.
ASIO has a wide range of surveillance powers to collect intelligence, and operations requiring police powers are coordinated with the Australian Federal Police or state and territory police forces.
When was ASIO established?
ASIO was established in 1949.
Compare ASIO with other intelligence agencies.
ASIO is comparable to the FBI in the United States and MI5 in the United Kingdom.
What are ASIO’s key priorities for 2024–25?
ASIO’s key priorities include counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, and Top Secret-Privileged Access Vetting.
Describe the employment conditions at ASIO.
ASIO employment conditions are similar to those in the Australian Public Service.
What is the purpose of ASIS?
ASIS, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, is responsible for collecting and distributing foreign intelligence to protect Australia’s security and promote its interests.
Describe the leadership structure of ASIS.
ASIS is led by the director general Kerri Hartland, who reports to the minister of foreign affairs, and the minister reports to the prime minister.
Define the primary functions of ASIS as outlined in the Intelligence Services Act 2001.
The functions of ASIS include obtaining intelligence about foreign capabilities and activities, communicating that intelligence, assisting the Defence Force, conducting counter-intelligence activities, and liaising with international intelligence services.
How does ASIS differ from ASIO?
ASIS is Australia’s foreign intelligence collection agency focused on gathering secret foreign intelligence, while ASIO is Australia’s security service that gathers and assesses security intelligence to protect Australia.
