Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister is advised the answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) My Department advises Mr Wilson's complaint has been examined by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) and that no further action is required.

(2) My Department has considered the allegations raised by Mr Wilson of inappropriate and inadequate oversight and review by the IGIS.

(3) No.

(4) and (5) The Office of the IGIS has advised that:

It is not the usual practice of the Inspector-General to discuss individual complaints which have been made to her office. This practice has been adopted both to protect the privacy of individuals who make complaints and to protect the activities of the Australian intelligence community from unnecessary or unreasonable exposure.

It is the standard practice of government and government agencies not to comment publicly on intelligence matters.

As Mr Wilson has previously self-disclosed that he has made complaints to the Inspector-General, the Inspector-General is able in these circumstances to advise that she and one of her predecessors have previously examined Mr Wilson's claims and determined that there were insufficient grounds on which to proceed to a full inquiry. This remains the position of the current Inspector-General.

(6) ASIO is an agency that is administered by the Attorney-General. This question is best answered by the Attorney-General. Please see the response provided to Senate Question 1871.

(7) ASIO is an agency that is administered by the Attorney-General. This question is best answered by the Attorney-General. Please see the response provided to Senate Question 1871.

(8) My Department is not aware of any Australian agencies that are, or have been, involved in investigating and/or interference with Mr Wilson.