ASIO operates lawfully, in proportion to threats we are investigating, and in line with the standards and expectations of the Australian community. ASIO does not just do what is legal, we do what is right.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (ASIO Act) defines security for the purposes of ASIO’s work—and in doing so carefully limits the scope of ASIO’s activities. These are commonly referred to as the ‘heads of security’ and include the protection of Australia and its people from: