We are Australia's foreign intelligence collection agency. We collect and distribute secret foreign intelligence, information which would be otherwise unavailable to Australia, to protect Australia and its interests.
We obtain this intelligence from foreign sources, outside Australia's borders. To do this, we rely on what we call "human intelligence" - information that comes directly from people.
Human intelligence can help us learn about, and prevent, threats to Australia's security and prosperity. Human intelligence can assist in preventing unwanted foreign influence in Australia, as well as safeguarding our economy by helping the government make informed decisions.
You might have heard this kind of work we do described as espionage. And while it varies from what you might have seen in movies, there are some similarities - the work is exciting, fast-paced and involves the latest technology.
ASIS works closely with other members of the National Intelligence Community (NIC) to deliver Whole-of-Government outcomes. This active engagement and communication ensures a coordinated approach to intelligence activities and appropriate use of government resources. We operate as part of a wider group of intelligence allies, having close links to allied services and a wide range of ties with the intelligence services of other countries.