On 22 September 2023 the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, announced the launch of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review (the Review).
The Review relates to Australia’s National Intelligence Community (NIC), and will report to Government in mid-2024 with findings and recommendations on what is working well in the NIC, and where there is room for improvement.
Background
The work of the NIC underpins Australia’s national security objectives, including safeguarding Australia’s sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain security environment. The NIC is required to respond in complex and changing circumstances to protect Australia’s security, prosperity and values. The Review will ensure that our intelligence agencies remain ready to fulfil this mandate, and are aligned to Australia’s national security priorities.
The Review will focus on the 10 agencies that make-up the NIC:
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
- Australian Federal Police
- Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation
- Australian Secret Intelligence Service
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
- Australian Signals Directorate
- Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
- Defence Intelligence Organisation
- Department of Home Affairs
- Office of National Intelligence.
Independent reviews of this nature have been commissioned periodically, having previously occurred in 2004, 2011, and 2017.
Reviewers and Responsibilities
The Review will be co-led by Dr Heather Smith PSM and Mr Richard Maude, who bring extensive and senior public sector experience.
The Review will consult widely, including seeking submissions publicly. Findings and recommendations will be provided to Government through a classified final report, and a declassified version of that report, by 30 June 2024.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will establish a secretariat for the Review, and provide logistics support as required.
Submissions
Public submissions on matters included in the Review’s Terms of Reference can be made to IIR2024@pmc.gov.au, or by post to
2024 Independent Intelligence Review
c/o Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
PO Box 6500
Canberra, ACT 2600.
The closing date for public submissions is 24 November 2023.