The Role of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security: A Primer

This article provides a broad overview of the functions and methods of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (‘Inspector-General’) and his/her staff. The eight intelligence agencies of which the Inspector-General has full or partial oversight are referred to and the principal functions of the Inspector-General — the conduct of inquiries, the examination of agencies’ records by regular inspections and the investigation of complaints — are laid out, and the methods used in each case are explained. Treatment is given to the statutory concepts by reference to which the Inspector-General is required to assess the activities of agencies, the main ones being compliance with Commonwealth, state and territory laws, propriety and consistency with human rights. Some things which the Inspector-General does not do are noted. Finally, the article deals with the role of the Inspector-General under the legislated public interest disclosure scheme.