The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) provides independent assurance to the Australian Government, the Parliament and the Australian people that Australia's intelligence agencies conduct their activities within the law, behave with propriety and comply with ministerial guidelines and directives.

To guarantee independence of the office, the IGIS is appointed by the Governor-General for a fixed term of up to 5 years and cannot be dismissed by the government. An IGIS can be reappointed only once.

Like all intelligence and security agencies in Australia, DSD is subject to independent oversight from IGIS, who regularly reviews DSD files, and has access to any information deemed relevant to his review function. IGIS routinely reviews files relating to the Privacy Rules made under section 15 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001, and has an increased role under the Act to oversee DSD's activities in relation to the Ministerial directions and authorisations.

Further information about IGIS can be found on the IGIS website: www.igis.gov.au.