National Security Law and Policy Division
The National Security Law and Policy Division provides national leadership and coordination on national security legal and policy issues to contribute to the security of the Australian community. This involves ensuring there is a national security legislative framework which contains appropriate safeguards to protect the community from security threats; a surveillance and telecommunication interception and access capability to promote security and discourage illegal activity; and policies and projects that contribute to public confidence in the national security framework. The Division also works with ASIO to ensure the organisation is best able to efficiently protect the Australian community.
The Division also undertakes background checking and vetting for sensitive positions to protect the community and its Government. On 1 October 2010 the vetting function in the AusCheck Branch will transfer to the Department of Defence, to form part of the new Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.
The National Security Law and Policy Division is comprised of the following branches:
- National Security Policy Branch
- Security Law Branch
- AusCheck
- Telecommunications and Surveillance Law Branch