Defence Security and Vetting Service: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:40, 26 July 2025

Revision as of 03:22, 27 August 2025

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{{primary sources|date=November 2011}}

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 theAustralia'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 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>

DSDSD'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 DSCA Special Agent counterparts.

== Functions ==

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* 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