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.
Our functions, as set out in the Intelligence Services Act 2001, are to:
- collect foreign intelligence, not available by other means, which may impact on Australia's interests;
- distribute that intelligence to the Government, including key policy departments and agencies;
- undertake counter-intelligence activities which protect Australia's interests and initiatives; and,
- engage other intelligence and security services overseas in Australia's national interests.
The Australian Government expects us to be adaptable and able to respond effectively to the ever-growing number and diverse nature of threats facing Australia and its citizens. Our work can involve collection of intelligence in relation to national defence, international relations and economic issues. We also contribute to Australia's coordinated national efforts against terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and trans-national issues such as people smuggling.
We are not a law enforcement agency and are required by law to abstain from the use of violence in our activities. However, recent amendments to our legislation empower us to provide for the protection of our people through the use of weapons and self-defence.
