Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

INTELLIGENCE SERVICES ACT 2001 - SECT 7

                   The functions of DSD are:

                     (a)  to obtain intelligence about the capabilities, intentions or activities of people or organisations outside Australia in the form of electromagnetic energy, whether guided or unguided or both, or in the form of electrical, magnetic or acoustic energy, for the purposes of meeting the requirements of the Government, and in particular the requirements of the Defence Force, for such intelligence; and

                     (b)  to communicate, in accordance with the Government's requirements, such intelligence; and

                     (c)  to provide material, advice and other assistance to Commonwealth and State authorities on matters relating to the security and integrity of information that is processed, stored or communicated by electronic or similar means; and

                     (d)  to provide assistance to the Defence Force in support of military operations and to cooperate with the Defence Force on intelligence matters; and

                     (e)  to provide assistance to Commonwealth and State authorities in relation to:

                              (i)  cryptography, and communication and computer technologies; and

                             (ii)  other specialised technologies acquired in connection with the performance of its other functions; and

                            (iii)  the performance by those authorities of search and rescue functions.

Note:          For limits on the agency's functions and activities see sections 11 and 12.