Role of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS)
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) is an independent statutory office holder responsible for reviewing the activities of six Australian intelligence agencies, to ensure that they act legally and respect human rights while upholding national security.
Australian intelligence agencies under IGIS jurisdiction are:
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
- Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO).
- Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS).
- Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO).
- Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
- Office of National Intelligence (ONI).
If you have a complaint about any of these agencies, you can make a complaint to IGIS.
IGIS also receives complaints relating to the relevant intelligence functions of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
What matters can I complain to IGIS about?
You can make a complaint to IGIS:
- If you think you have been unfairly affected by the actions of an intelligence agency.
- If you consider that an Australian intelligence agency has acted unlawfully or improperly or not consistent with human rights either to you, or to someone else.
- If you are concerned about the process of a security assessment check conducted by ASIO as part of an Australian visa or citizenship application or a security clearance application. Note that IGIS will only examine procedural aspects of an assessment – they will not assess the merits of a security assessment and/or overturn a decision.
How do I make a complaint?
To submit a complaint, use the online form. Here you will be required to specify which agency you are complaining about, whether or not you wish to make an anonymous complaint, your name and email address (unless you are making an anonymous complaint), whether or not you are complaining on someone’s behalf, the details of your complaint, and the actions that you want to see taken.
It is optional to provide additional information including your address and phone number, any response you have had from the agency so far, and anything else you think would assist IGIS in responding.
IGIS will typically acknowledge your complaint via email within five business days if you have provided your contact details. They will then decide what action to take and may contact the agency concerned for more information.
If you are having difficulty using the online complaint form, other methods of making a complaint are outlined on the IGIS website.
