Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 - Special Investigative Powers

Special Investigative Powers

The ASIO Act defines the special investigative powers available to the Organisation under warrant signed by the Attorney-General:

  • interception of telecommunications;
  • examination of postal and delivery articles;
  • use of clandestine surveillance and tracking devices;
  • remote access to computers, including alteration of data to conceal that access;
  • covert entry to and search of premises, including the removal or copying of any record or thing found therein; and
  • conduct of an ordinary or frisk search of a person if they are at or near a premises specified in the warrant.

The Director-General also has the power to independently issue a warrant in situations where a warrant has been requested of the Attorney-General but not yet granted, and a serious security situation arises.

Read more about this topic:  Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

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