The Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD, was established under the Intelligence Services Act 2001 ('the Act'). The Act requires the PJC to review annually the administration and expenditure of the intelligence agencies, including DSD.

The PJC's functions are set out in section 29 of the Act. In addition to reviewing the administration and expenditure of DSD, the PJC must review any matters relating to DSD referred by either the Minister for Defence or a resolution of either House of Parliament.

The PJC's requirement to review administration and expenditure of the agencies is conducted, at a minimum, on an annual basis and the findings are reported in the annual report. In addition, the PJC may, at any time, initiate its own inquiries into aspects of the administration and expenditure of DSD. The PJC inquiries into DSD are conducted at a classified level, and as such, the proceedings are closed to the public.

Further information can be found on the PJC website: – www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/pjcaad/index.htm.