Defence Security and Vetting Service: Difference between revisions

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{{primary sources|date=November 2011}}

The '''Defence Security Authority''' (DSA) is an agency in the [[Defence Intelligence and Security Group]] of the [[Department of Defence (Australia)|Australian Department of Defence]] responsible for [[protective security]], providing [[vetting]] services, developing security policy, investigating major security incidents and monitoring security performance. It is the parent agency for the [[Australian Government Security Vetting Agency]] (AGSVA) and manages the [[Defence Industry Security Program]] (DISP).

The '''Defence Security Division (DSD)''' (formerly the '''''Defence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS)''' and the '''Defence Security Authority (DSA)'''''<ref>[https://www.igis.gov.au/sites/default/files/DSA_report.pdf Inspector General of Intelligence & Security, Report into the Defence Security Authority 2011]</ref>) is a [[security agency]] within the Australian Government’s Department of Defence, and plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. It is the Australian equivalent of the [[Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency|Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)]].

The DSD is headed by Australia's Chief Security Officer (CSO), and is the primary counterintelligence agency for Defence security in Australia. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Government, Chief Security Officer |url=https://www.directory.gov.au/portfolios/defence/department-defence/associate-secretary/security-and-estate-group/defence-security |website=Department of Defence {{!}} Security}}</ref> The current incumbent is First Assistant Secretary, Mr Peter West.<ref>[https://www.directory.gov.au/people/peter-west First Assistant Secretary and Chief Security Officer Peter WEST]</ref>

DSD operates under the Defence Legislation Amendment ''Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024,'' empowering DSD Agents with dedicated Defence-specific espionage legislation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024 |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/industry-governance/industry-regulators/safeguarding-australias-military-secrets/Legislation}}</ref>.

DSD's primary responsibilities include [[counterintelligence]] assurance, [[Bodyguard|protective security]] and cybersecurity outreach services, the provision of security intelligence, security threat and risk assessments, investigating protective security breaches and manages the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP). DSD also delivers security clearances for Defence, the Government, and industry as the parent agency of the [[Ustralian Government Security Vetting Agency|Australian Government Security Vetting Agency]] (AGSVA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defence Security & Estate Group |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/about/who-we-are/organisation-structure/security-estate-group}}</ref>

Additionally, the DSD contributes to broader national security outcomes by managing the Defence Security Principles Framework, which helps decision-makers understand and manage evolving security risks effectively.<ref name=":1">[https://www.defence.gov.au/security/industry Defence Industry Security Program - Australian Defence Organisation]</ref>

DSD Agents are accredited Australian Government investigators, but are not armed, consistent with their U.S DCSA Special Agent counterparts.

== Functions ==

DSD Agents specialise in a range of duties, including:<ref name=":2">[https://www.defence.gov.au/security Security | Sectors | Defence]</ref><ref name=":0">[https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment Security clearances – Vetting assessment Australian Government Security and Vetting Agency]</ref>

It monitors and reports on security compliance, performance and risks; grants security clearances for Defence and [[Defence Industry Security Program]] members, conducts clearance revalidations and re-evaluations; develops and promulgates security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy and meets Defence's needs and assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation.

* Conducting covert field investigations into major national security breaches (including the theft of seven rocket launches in 2007 and thwarting the [[Holsworthy Barracks terror plot|Holsworthy Barracks Terror Plot]]).<ref>[https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/exbikie-granted-immunity-in-rocket-launcher-case-now-facing-deportation-after-drug-bust-20160212-gmsp58.html Ex-bikie granted immunity in rocket launcher case now facing deportation after drug bust (smh.com.au)]</ref>

* Conducting offensive and defensive counterintelligence activities (including identifying double-agents across Australian Government)

* Conducting special protective security functions

* Detecting espionage efforts across the [[Australian Defence Organisation]]

* Liaising with national and international [[Intelligence agency|intelligence]], counterintelligence and security entities in the provision of government security

* Evaluating security performance and risk

* Reporting security compliance

* Administrating the [[Australian Government Security Vetting Agency]]<ref name=":1" />

* Develops and promulgates security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy and

* Meets Defence's needs and assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation.<ref name=":2" />

== See also ==

*[[Holsworthy Barracks terror plot]]

*[[Defense Security Service|Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency]]

*[[Australian Security Intelligence Organisation]]

*[[Direction de la Protection et de la Sécurité de la Défense]]

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

==External Links links==

* [httphttps://www.defencedirectory.gov.au/dsaportfolios/index.htmldefence/department-defence/associate-secretary/security-and-estate-group/defence-security Defence Security AuthorityDivision] Official site.

* [http://www.openaustralia.org/search/?s=%22Defence%20Security%20Authority%22 Open Australia Search]: Parliamentary records mentioning 'Defence Security Authority'.

{{Australian intelligence agencies}}

[[Category:Australian intelligence agencies]]