Committee satisfied with operation of intelligence agencies in a complex, challenging and changing security environment

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled its annual review of six Australian intelligence agencies.

The review, covering the 2021-2022 period, found that amidst a changing strategic environment where espionage and foreign interference has overtaken terrorism as Australia’s principal security concern, Australia’s intelligence agencies largely worked in an effective, and increasingly collaborative, manner.

"The committee found that, on the whole, agencies performed their roles well, particularly considering the challenging operational environment faced by agencies over the reporting period," Committee Chair, Peter Khalil MP said.

The Committee made one recommendation. Noting the rapid pace and ambition of elements of the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) REDSPICE program, the committee recommended that ASD provide the committee with an additional update six months after each ASD submission to the review of administration and expenditure, for the duration of the REDSPICE program.

"The work of Australia’s intelligence agencies is becoming increasingly complex and challenging," Mr Khalil said. "ASD’s defence of Australia in the cyber realm will be significantly boosted by the REDSPICE program, which is intended to deliver forward-looking capabilities essential to maintaining Australia's strategic advantage and capability edge over the coming decade and beyond.

‘It is important, given the significant investment involved, that the committee be kept up to date with the maturity of the REDSPICE program," Mr Khalil said.

The committee’s report can be found via the committee’s webpage: Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)

 

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