The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 sets out the functions of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) - Australia's security service.

ASIO's main role is to gather information and produce intelligence that will enable it to warn the government about activities or situations that might endanger Australia's national security. The ASIO Act defines 'security' as the protection of Australia and its people from espionage, sabotage, politically motivated violence, the promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia's defence system, and acts of foreign interference. Some of these terms are further defined in the ASIO Act.

ASIO focuses on terrorists, people who may act violently for political reasons, and people who may clandestinely obtain sensitive government information (spies) or otherwise harm Australia's interests in order to further their own causes or the interests of foreign governments.

Click here to view the current Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.

Click here for the protocol to the Act.