Australian Secret Intelligence Service
The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS /ˈeɪsɪs/) is the foreign intelligence agency of Australia, tasked with the covert collection of information overseas through personal contacts and other means of human intelligence. It is part of the Australian Intelligence Community and is also responsible for counter-intelligence and liaising with the intelligence agencies of other countries such as the NZSIS. ASIS was formed in 1952 but its existence remained secret within much of the government until 1972. ASIS is comparable to the American CIA and the British MI6 (formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service).
Intelligence agency overview | |
---|---|
Formed | 13 May 1952 |
Type | Intelligence agency |
Jurisdiction | Australian Government |
Headquarters | RG Casey Building, Barton, Australian Capital Territory |
Annual budget | A$605.1 million (US$454.96 million) (2022–23) |
Minister responsible | |
Assistant Minister responsible | |
Intelligence agency executives |
|
Parent department | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
Key documents | |
Website | www |
ASIS is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) portfolio and has its headquarters in Canberra. Its director-general, currently Kerri Hartland, reports to the minister for foreign affairs.