DOCSLIB.ORG

ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–2015

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–2015 ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–2015 www.asio.gov.au THE INTELLIGENCE EDGE VISION FOR A SECURE AUSTRALIA To identify and investigate threats to security and provide MISSION advice to protect Australia, its people and its interests EXCELLENCE VALUES Producing high-quality, relevant, timely advice. Displaying strong leadership and professionalism. Improving through innovation and learning. INTEGRITY Being ethical and working without bias. Maintaining the confidentiality and security of our work. Respecting others and valuing diversity. RESPECT We show respect in our dealings with others. ACCOUNTABILITY Being responsible for what we do and for our outcomes. Being accountable to the Australian community through the government and the parliament. COOPERATION Building a common sense of purpose and mutual support. Using appropriate communication in all our relationships. Fostering and maintaining productive partnerships. ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–2015 ISSN 0815-4562 (print) ISSN 2204-4213 (online) © Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) 2015 All material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons (CC) BY Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0/au/deed.en). The details of the relevant licence Commonwealth Coat of Arms conditions are available on the The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is used Creative Commons website in accordance with Commonwealth Coat of (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/) Arms: information and guidelines, provided as is the full legal code for the CC BY by the Department of the Prime Minister Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence and Cabinet, dated November 2012, viewed (http://creativecommons.org/ 22 July 2014, (http://www.dpmc.gov.au/ licenses/by/3.0/legalcode). guidelines/docs/CCoA_guidelines.pdf). Image use The Report to Parliament is one of ASIO’s key accountability measures. It is the most significant external publication issued by ASIO each year. As part of the development of this year’s report, ASIO held a photography competition inviting staff to submit images evocative of Australia. The winning image was included in this year’s report. ii ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 Senator the Hon George Brandis QC Attorney-General Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 In accordance with section 94 of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (the ASIO Act), I am pleased to present to you ASIO’s Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2015. As required by the ASIO Act, a copy of the Report to Parliament 2014-2015 – with deletions authorised by you to protect national security – is to be laid before each House of Parliament. In addition, as required by the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines, I certify that I am satisfied ASIO has in placed appropriate fraud control mechanisms that meet the organisation’s needs and comply with the guidelines. Duncan Lewis iii ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 iv ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 Table of contents Director-General’s review vii The year at a glance xiii Guide to the report xiv ASIO’s role and functions xv Organisational structure xvi Par t 1 The security environment and outlook ..............................................................................1 Terrorism 2 Espionage and clandestine foreign interference 7 Communal violence and violent protest 9 Border integrity 12 Par t 2 Program performance .......................................................................................................13 Outcome 1 14 Security intelligence analysis and advice 15 Protective security advice 26 Security intelligence investigations and capabilities 29 Foreign intelligence collection in Australia 34 Par t 3 Outcomes and highlights ..................................................................................................35 Par t 4 ASIO and accountability ....................................................................................................39 Attorney-General 40 Parliamentary oversight 41 Independent oversight 44 Legal assurance and capability protection 47 Internal audit and fraud control 52 Security in ASIO 54 v ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 Par t 5 Corporate management ....................................................................................................55 Corporate strategy and governance 56 People 62 Property 70 Financial services 72 Information and technology services 73 Part 6 Financial statements .........................................................................................................75 Par t 7 Appendices and indices ...................................................................................................117 Appendix A 118 Appendix B 119 Appendix C 120 Appendix D 121 Appendix E 123 Appendix F 124 Appendix G 125 Additional ASIO reporting requirements under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 128 Abbreviations 129 Glossary 131 Index 132 vi ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 Director-General’s Ray Strange. News Corp. Australia. review This Report to Parliament is my first as Espionage and foreign interference the Director-General of Security. Since my directed against Australia by foreign appointment I have been impressed by powers also present a first order challenge. the professionalism and commitment of While the impact of such activity might the officers of ASIO. I come to the position not be as obvious to our community as as Australia faces a most challenging and that of terrorism, it has the potential to complex security environment. undermine our sovereignty. It can impact our ability to further our national interests During this reporting period ASIO has and to defend ourselves against others. continued its demanding job of identifying and investigating threats to Australia Sitting under these major threats, and Australians wherever they may be. and sometimes connected to them, ASIO operates as a security intelligence are ongoing issues of communal violence, service and we continue to work in strict violent protest and other activities that accordance with the Australian Security can affect the safety or wellbeing of Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, Australians. ASIO’s role is to identify and other legislation which applies to the understand these threats and issues. organisation, and within a thorough ASIO provides intelligence and advice to and comprehensive accountability help government manage threats while and oversight framework. ensuring that, in protecting Australians’ democratic freedoms, those freedoms Terrorism is the most obvious and are not themselves infringed. immediate challenge, it poses a direct and ongoing threat to the safety and wellbeing of our people. In particular, the threat is associated with violent extremist ideologies that have aims hostile to Australia’s interests. It requires a coordinated, considered and comprehensive response. vii ASIO Report to Parliament 2014–15 Terrorism Two terrorist attacks occurred in Australia during the reporting period. The first Never before has terrorism been such a attack, which took place in Melbourne on direct and immediate threat to our nation 23 September 2014 (the Endeavour Hills and our people. ASIO’s counter-terrorist police station attack) resulted in the injury efforts are operating at a high tempo. of two police officers and the death of the The resourcing required to manage this attacker. The second, which occurred ever-increasing workload is significant. in Sydney on 15–16 December 2014 Despite our most strenuous efforts there (the Lindt Café siege in Martin Place), can be no absolute guarantee that every resulted in the deaths of two hostages threat can be identified and mitigated. and the hostage taker. In addition, The Syrian and Iraq conflict continues and in the same reporting period, to play directly into the terrorism threat six separate terrorist plots were disrupted. to Australia. An increasing number of Each of the six disrupted terrorist plots Australians offshore are participating in was initially identified and investigated the conflict, and it is unlikely we know by ASIO, prior to being handed over to the identities of all who are fighting or law enforcement. who have participated in the conflict. These Australian attacks, or planned Some foreign fighters have returned attacks, come against a backdrop of and others have expressed interest in global terrorist activity. Internationally, returning to Australia. While the question similar relatively crude lone-actor of prosecution of returning foreign fighters attacks are becoming all too common. is a matter for law enforcement, ASIO’s The United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, interest is in assessing the threat they France, Belgium, Libya, Kenya, Tunisia might present should they return. and the United States have all been A number of Australians are actively targeted. We must not, however, leap to supporting violent extremist groups in the conclusion that this mode of terrorism Syria and Iraq from Australia—providing has replaced the threat of larger scale and funding, recruiting for them and more organised attacks. Unsophisticated facilitating the travel of others to attacks add another, more readily realised join the conflict. strand to the ongoing threat. The old and more sophisticated threats persist. In September 2014, the Terrorism Importantly threats do not originate from Public Alert Level was elevated by the a single source: terrorist threats emanate Australian Government from Medium to from Australia, from the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Additional Estimates 2010-11
    Dinner on the occasion of the First Meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament Kirribilli House, Kirribilli, Sydney Sunday, 19 October 2008 Host Mr Francois Heisbourg The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP Commissioner (France) Prime Minister Chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and Geneva Centre for Official Party Security Policy, Special Adviser at the The Honourable Gareth Evans AO QC Foundation pour la Recherche Strategique Co-Chair International Commission on Nuclear Non- General (Ret'd) Jehangir Karamat proliferation and Disarmament Commissioner (Pakistan) and President of the International Crisis Director, Spearhead Research Group Mrs Nilofar Karamat Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi General ((Ret'd) Klaus Naumann Co-Chair Commissioner (Germany) International Commission on Nuclear Non- Member of the International Advisory Board proliferation and Disarmament and member of the World Security Network Foundation of the House of Councillors and Chair of the Liberal Democratic Party Research Dr William Perry Commission on the Environment Commissioner (United States) Professor of Stanford University School of Mr Ali Alatas Engineering and Institute of International Commissioner (Indonesia) Studies Adviser and Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Ambassador Wang Yingfan Mrs Junisa Alatas Commissioner (China) Formerly China's Vice Foreign Minister Dr Alexei Arbatov (1995-2000), China's Ambassador and Commissioner (Russia) Permanent Representative to the United Scholar-in-residence
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter May 2012 Promoting National Security and Defence
    Royal United Services Institute of Western Australia Newsletter May 2012 Promoting National Security and Defence Patron: His Excellency Mr Malcolm McCusker AO, QC Governor of Western Australia President: Colonel Mike Brennan Secretary: Commander Otto Pelczar, RFD, RD, RANR (ret) RUSI of WA, Leeuwin Barracks, Riverside Road, East Fremantle Postal Address: C/- Department of Defence, Locked Bag 5001, Fremantle, WA, 6160 In this Newsletter April Lecture Report – Land Combat Vehicle System Follow Up Discussion on March Force Structure Review Lecture Monthly Program Blamey Oration – 24 May 2012 Duncan Lewis AO, DSC,CSC Secretary of Defence Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey and the Blamey Oration State Schools and ANZAC Day in WA - 1925 The regular program of Lectures is now in place. Please note the dates in your diaries to avoid disappointment. There are no further Luncheon discussions planned until later in the year. Please note the date of the AGM in August. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are due on 1 July annually Town - $40, Country - $25, Associate - $5 Your subscription, and other charges can be electronically transferred to the RUSI. BSB 803-205, Account No 20531718, and include your surname RUSI of WA Newsletter 2 May 2012 April Lecture Report – Land Combat Vehicle System Brigadier Nagy Sorial, the Director General Combined Arms Fighting System and Program Manager Land 400, Land Combat Vehicle System, delivered the April lecture. During the lecture, Brigadier Sorial outlined the intent of the Land 400 Land Combat Vehicle System (LCVS) to provide the mounted close combat capability for the Land Force as well as being the lead project for integration within the Combined Arms Fighting System (CAFS).
    [Show full text]
  • IB # 366-New Text
    JUNE 2020 ISSUE NO. 366 Australia-China Relations: The Great Unravelling NAVDEEP SURI ABSTRACT Over the last three decades, Australia and China have established mutually beneficial economic ties. However, Australia’s decision to ask for an independent enquiry into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has led to a backlash from China. This brief examines the more important developments since 2015 that persuaded Australia to take measures aimed at protecting both its open economy and its democratic polity against China’s systematic campaign to expand its influence. The brief describes various case studies including the attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to use Australia’s large Chinese community to support its foreign policy objectives, its attempts to secure strategic economic assets in Australia, and its efforts to use corrupt practices for recruiting politicians who would support its agenda. Attribution: Navdeep Suri, “Australia-China Relations: The Great Unravelling,” ORF Issue Brief No. 366, June 2020, Observer Research Foundation. Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a public policy think tank that aims to influence the formulation of policies for building a strong and prosperous India. ORF pursues these goals by providing informed analyses and in-depth research, and organising events that serve as platforms for stimulating and productive discussions. ISBN 978-93-90159-20-8 © 2020 Observer Research Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, archived, retained or transmitted through print, speech or electronic media without prior written approval from ORF. Australia-China Relations: The Great Unravelling INTRODUCTION reaction from China. Australia has held firm in its response to threats of economic coercion, Over the last three decades, China and causing concern in business circles about the Australia have developed a mutually new dynamics of the relationship.
    [Show full text]
  • Archived Content Information Archivée Dans Le
    Archived Content Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page. Information archivée dans le Web Information archivée dans le Web à des fins de consultation, de recherche ou de tenue de documents. Cette dernière n’a aucunement été modifiée ni mise à jour depuis sa date de mise en archive. Les pages archivées dans le Web ne sont pas assujetties aux normes qui s’appliquent aux sites Web du gouvernement du Canada. Conformément à la Politique de communication du gouvernement du Canada, vous pouvez demander de recevoir cette information dans tout autre format de rechange à la page « Contactez-nous ». CANADIAN FORCES COLLEGE / COLLÈGE DES FORCES CANADIENNES JCSP 33 / PCEMI 33 MDS RESEARCH PROJECT/PROJET DE RECHERCHE DE LA MED Deeds and Words: An Integrated Special Operations Doctrine for the Canadian Forces By /par Maj/maj T.W. (Theo) Heuthorst This paper was written by a student La présente étude a été rédigée par un attending the Canadian Forces College in stagiaire du Collège des Forces fulfilment of one of the requirements of the canadiennes pour satisfaire à l'une des Course of Studies. The paper is a scholastic exigences du cours. L'étude est un document, and thus contains facts and document qui se rapporte au cours et opinions, which the author alone considered contient donc des faits et des opinions que appropriate and correct for the subject.
    [Show full text]
  • 6. Australia's China Debate in 2018
    AUSTRALIA’S CHINA DEBATE IN 2018 David Brophy Sydney’s Chinatown Source: Paul Carmona, Flickr FOR SOME TIME NOW, Australia’s foreign policy establishment has contemplated how best to navigate the rivalry between the US and China, and debated whether or not Australia would one day have to choose between the two. Participants in this ‘old’ China debate might have disagreed on the timeline of China’s rise, or the likelihood of serious conflict between our defence partner and our trading partner, but there was a degree of consensus as to the parameters of the question. By the end of 2017, though, a string of highly visible imbroglios had seen a ‘new’ China debate take centre stage: one side arguing that there was widespread Chinese Party-state interference in Australian affairs; the other accusing the first of sensationalism, even racism. Throughout 2018, some of the basic facts about China’s presence in, and intentions towards, Australia seemed up for grabs. The ‘China question’ had become a much more polarised, and polarising one. In this new landscape, conventional political lines have tended to blur. 156 Hawkish narratives of Chinese expansionism occasionally draw support 157 from those whose primary concern is with the parlous state of human rights in China. Those anxious to prevent a resurgence of anti-Chinese xenophobia sometimes find themselves taking the same side of a point as corporate actors, whose priority is to moderate criticism of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and get on with profiting from its vast economy. The government’s attack on (now retired) Australian Labor Party (ALP) senator Sam Dastyari in 2017 (see the China Story Yearbook 2016: Control, Chapter 8 ‘Making the World Safe (For China)’, pp.278–293) set a new prec- Australia’s China Debate in 2018 Australia’s David Brophy edent in the instrumentalisation of China anxieties for domestic political gain.
    [Show full text]
  • ESPIONAGE and PRESS FREEDOM in AUSTRALIA Press Freedom Policy Papers
    Press Freedom Policy Papers Reform Briefing 1/2020 Sarah Kendall ESPIONAGE AND PRESS FREEDOM IN AUSTRALIA Press Freedom Policy Papers SUMMARY KEY POINTS • The Espionage Act 2018 (Cth) replaced Australia’s four espionage offences with 27 new offences. • The laws criminalise a very wide-range of conduct which involves ‘dealing’ with information for the purpose of communicating it to a ‘foreign principal’. • The laws’ complex nature and uncertain scope is having a chilling effect on public interest journalism. • The legitimate conduct of journalists and sources is at real risk of criminalisation under the laws. • The defences to espionage do not adequately protect journalists or sources. REFORM CONSIDERATIONS • Introduce a journalism-based exemption from prosecution to protect legitimate, good faith, public interest journalism. • Enhance legal clarity over certain aspects of the offences, namely: ° The criminalisation of passive receipt of information, ° Media organisations as foreign principals, ° The meaning of ‘prejudice’ to Australia’s national security, ° International and economic relations as ‘national security’, ° Whether publication amounts to communication to a foreign principal, and ° The inclusion of false information and opinions as ‘information’. • Introduce mental elements to Classified Information Espionage and Trade Secrets Espionage. law.uq.edu.au/research/press-freedom 2 Press Freedom Policy Papers ESPIONAGE AND PRESS FREEDOM IN AUSTRALIA Reform Briefing 1/2020 On 4 September 2019, outgoing Director General of the Australian
    [Show full text]
  • China Masterclass
    2 0 1 9 China Masterclass for senior executives of industry Australia-China Relations Institute University of Technology Sydney a u s t r a l i a c h i n a r e l a t i o n s . o r g August 16 2019 8.30am - 5.00pm UTS Business School 14-28 Ultimo Road Ultimo NSW 2007 The UTS:ACRI China Masterclass is a highly interactive one-day program presented by Australia’s leading China experts for senior executives of industry. The UTS:ACRI China Masterclass was established in response to the vital need for industry leaders to gain a deeper understanding of today’s China - its economy, politics, foreign policy, including a rapidly expanding strategic rivalry with the US - and how this translates in Australia. The UTS:ACRI China Masterclass is conducted under Chatham House rules. a u s t r a l i a c h i n a r e l a t i o n s . o r g @ a c r i _ u t s 2 0 1 9 C h i n a M a s t e r c l a s s Program 8.30am - 9.00am Registration and tea/coffee ........................................................................................................... 9.00am - 9.15am Welcome to country and opening remarks Speaker: Mr Iain Watt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (International), University of Technology Sydney ........................................................................................................... 9.15am - 10.15am 35 years working in China, learning how to think about it... China is too important to ignore. How can the vision of enormous opportunity be reconciled to prodigious risk? How can a well-developed understanding of the context in which China’s business environment exists support good strategic and commercial decision-making? What assumptions do Western business leaders typically hold and how do these views influence effective decision-making with respect to China opportunities? Speaker: Mr Clinton Dines, former President of BHP Billiton China ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Painaustralia Appoints Major General Duncan Lewis As New Chair
    Painaustralia appoints Major General Duncan Lewis as new Chair 18 May 2021 Painaustralia is pleased to announce today’s appointment of Major General Duncan Lewis AO, DSC, CSC as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Major General Lewis is a former Australian military officer, Secretary of the Department of Defence, diplomat and intelligence chief and from 2014 to 2019 was the Director-General of Security and head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Prior to that appointment, he held the post of Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He is a retired Australian Army officer, and formerly Special Operations Commander Australia (2002– 2004) and National Security Adviser. Major General Lewis said it was a great privilege to take up the position of Chair of Painaustralia which this year is celebrating 10 years advocating on behalf of people who live with chronic pain. “This is a critical time as we finally have a national approach to pain management in Australia with today’s important announcement that all Australian governments have endorsed the National Strategic Action Plan,” he said. Major General Lewis will take over the Chairman’s role from Em Professor Ian Chubb AC who was elected to the position in 2019. Professor Chubb said Major General Lewis is a distinguished and eminently qualified appointment that will lead Painaustralia forward in its next chapter. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my term as Chairman of Painaustralia, it has been a time of genuine achievement and I know that I am leaving the organisation in excellent hands,” he said.
    [Show full text]
  • Transcript of Proceedings
    TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS Valedictory Address Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC National Portrait Gallery, Canberra 11 SEPTEMBER 2019 Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT) Page 1 of 14 Steven Kennedy: It's fantastic day. A sad day to be farewelling really a great colleague. And I was saying to Kerri earlier, a colleague who provides tremendous support to his Secretary colleagues. We might say a little bit more about that as we go through the proceedings. It's now my great pleasure to welcome Phil Gaetjens to the stage to provide some opening remarks. Phil commenced as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on the 2nd of September, just last week. Prior to that, of course he was the Secretary of The Treasury. Phil, thank you very much for joining us today and please join me. Philip Gaetjens: Thank you. Thank you Steven, and I associate myself with your acknowledgement of country and pay my respect to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island members present. I also acknowledge my Secretary's Board colleagues here today and senior members of the intelligence community and the APS more broadly. It's a great honour to introduce Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC and make some opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary's group. As Stephen said, Kerri will be providing a vote of thanks at the end. Philip Gaetjens: In a moment, Duncan is going to reflect on his 47-year career, and give us some insight into what he's seen and done in nearly five decades of service to this nation.
    [Show full text]
  • View with American TV Host Charlie Rose That He Had Been Unduly Pessimistic, and That China Was Not a Threat
    Arsonist turns firefighter? Ex-ASIO boss warns against exaggerating ‘foreign interference’ threat he once hyped There is something of a pattern in Australia of public officials taking the hardest line imaginable on issues of defence and national security while in office, only to soften or even reverse their positions after they retire. In 2009, for example, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd exhorted the US officials to prepare for war with a supposedly hostile and expansionist China, according to diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks; but he admitted in a 2015 interview with American TV host Charlie Rose that he had been unduly pessimistic, and that China was not a threat. The latest, and in some ways even more remarkable aboutface comes from former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Duncan Lewis, who led the agency’s campaign to terrorise Australians into giving up ever more civil liberties in the name of guarding against the nebulous threat of alleged Chinese “foreign interference”. Yet early this month, Lewis warned that that threat has been greatly exaggerated, and called instead for more resources to be directed towards diplomacy. Lewis’s motivation is unclear but his intervention is timely, as the government pushes to legislate yet another tranche of surveillance powers and invasive background checks that will strip millions of ordinary working Australians of their last vestiges of privacy, on the pretext of protecting a ridiculously broadly defined suite of “critical infrastructure” from infiltration by foreign agents and would-be terrorists. Lewis is among Australia’s most senior military and intelligence figures. After a 33-year career in the Australian Army, during which he led the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) in 1990-91 and commanded Australian special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan as head of the Special Operations Command in 2001-04, Lewis retired with the rank of Major General in 2005.
    [Show full text]
  • Asio Annual Report 2018–19
    2018–19 ASIO Annual Report ASIO ANNUAL REPORT 2018–19 ISSN 0815–4562 (print) ISSN 2204–4213 (online) © Commonwealth of Australia 2019 All material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons BY Attribution 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en). The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the link provided) as is the full legal code for the Creative Commons BY Attribution 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode). Commonwealth Coat of Arms The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is used in accordance with the April 2014 Commonwealth Coat of Arms: information and guidelines, published by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and available online (http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/coat-arms/index.cfm). Report a threat National Security Hotline 1800 123 400 [email protected] Contact us We welcome feedback on our annual report from any of our readers. Phone General inquiries 02 6249 6299 or 1800 020 648 Business inquiries 02 6234 1668 Media inquiries 02 6249 8381 Recruitment inquiries 02 6257 4916 Email [email protected] Post GPO Box 2176, Canberra ACT 2601 State and Territory offices Australian Capital Territory 02 6249 6299 Victoria 03 9654 8985 New South Wales 02 8904 0251 Queensland 07 3831 5980 South Australia 08 8223 2727 Western Australia 08 9221 5066 Tasmania 1800 020 648 Northern Territory 08 8981 2374 Website: www.asio.gov.au Location of this annual report: www.asio.gov.au/asio-report-parliament Acknowledgement of Country and Traditional Custodians ASIO would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land.
    [Show full text]
  • Mr Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC
    Mr Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO Biography Duncan Lewis is Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO. Previous to this role, he was Secretary of the Department of Defence, building on almost four decades of experience in the defence and national security communities. Duncan joined the Australian Army after schooling in Western Australia, graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1975. A career in the military, spanning 33 years, followed. Duncan commanded at all levels, including command of the Special Air Service Regiment, and graduated from the British Army Staff College and the US Army War College. He served with the United Nations during the 1982 Lebanon War and on operations in East Timor. His last military appointment was as a Major General, Special Operations Commander Australia, where his forces were engaged in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2005, Duncan joined the Australian Public Service. His initial appointment was as First Assistant Secretary of the National Security Division within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Later that year, he was promoted to Deputy Secretary and in 2008 he was appointed as an Associate Secretary. Here he led the National Security and International Policy Group and contributed to the Department's broader leadership as a member of its Executive. From December 2008, Duncan served as Australia's inaugural National Security Adviser. Duncan was the Prime Minister's principal source of advice on all national security matters. He had responsibility for the strategic leadership of the national security community, as well as the coordination of national security policy development and crisis response.
    [Show full text]