With own motion powers in addition to considering complaints or requests from ministers, IGIS is a key element of the accountability regime for Australia’s intelligence and security agencies.
The six intelligence and security agencies under IGIS jurisdiction are: In addition, the Surveillance Legislation (Identify and Disrupt) Act 2021 expanded IGIS’s jurisdiction to include oversight of the use of network activity warrants by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Australian Federal Police.
The IGIS: The overarching purpose of these activities is to ensure that each intelligence agency acts legally and with propriety, complies with ministerial guidelines and directives, and respects human rights.
Inquiries are conducted in private because they frequently involve highly classified or sensitive information, and the methods by which it is collected.
As an independent statutory office holder, the Inspector-General is not subject to general direction from the Attorney-General, or other Ministers, on how their responsibilities under the IGIS Act should be carried out.