The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been officially transferred into the Department of Home Affairs, finalising the Department’s wide-ranging security portfolio.
The transfer follows passage of the Home Affairs and Integrity Agencies Legislation Amendment Act 2018.
Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton welcomed the transfer, saying it brought together the management and coordination of the nation’s national security, intelligence and emergency management Agencies.
“We are now leveraging the very best of our Agencies to ensure that the Home Affairs whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Mr Dutton said.
“Our Agencies are among the best in the world and are focused on building a united, secure and prosperous country for all Australians.”
He said the Home Affairs portfolio now drew together the nation’s security and policing Agencies and would provide the closest possible coordination between ASIO, the Australian Border Force, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.
“Our first priority is the safety and security of all Australians — and this is what we are delivering,” Mr Dutton said.
“These new arrangements enhance the Government’s ability to respond to emerging threats including from terrorism, organised crime and foreign interference.”
He said the legislation also provided the Attorney-General with strengthened oversight of the intelligence, security and law enforcement Agencies.
