Defence Security and Vetting Service
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The Defence Security Division (DSD) (formerly the Defence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS) and the Defence Security Authority (DSA)[https://www.igis.gov.au/sites/default/files/DSA_report.pdf Inspector General of Intelligence & Security, Report into the Defence Security Authority 2011]) is a security agency within the Australian Government’s Department of Defence plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. It is the Australian equivalent of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
Its primary responsibilities include protective security services, security threat and risk assessments, investigating protective security breaches and manages the Defence Industry Security Program. DSD also delivers security clearances for Defence, the Government, and industry through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).{{Cite web |title=Defence Security & Estate Group |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/about/who-we-are/organisation-structure/security-estate-group}}
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.[https://www.defence.gov.au/security/industry Defence Industry Security Program - Australian Defence Organisation]
Functions
Defence Security Division officers are qualified in their respective fields and carry out a range of duties, including:[https://www.defence.gov.au/security Security | Sectors | Defence][https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment Security clearances – Vetting assessment Australian Government Security and Vetting Agency]
- Investigating major national security breaches (including the theft of seven rocket launches in 2007)[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)]
- Conducting offensive and defensive counterintelligence activities (including identifying double agents across Australian Government)
- Liaising with national and international intelligence, counterintelligence and security entities in the provision of government security
- Conducting protective security activities
- Evaluating security performance and risk
- Reporting security compliance
- Granting Australian Government security clearances
- 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.
See also
References
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External links
- [http://www.defence.gov.au/dsa/index.html Defence Security Authority]
- [http://www.openaustralia.org/search/?s=%22Defence%20Security%20Authority%22 Open Australia Search]: Parliamentary records mentioning 'defence security authority'.
{{Australian intelligence agencies}}