Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Mr Wilson was advised that the appropriate body to investigate his concerns regarding ASIO was the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS).

(2) As the IGIS falls within the Prime Minister's portfolio, the Prime Minister or her Department are best placed to respond to this matter.

(3) On 8 March 2011 the Attorney-General's Department wrote to Mr Wilson and suggested he contact the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security regarding his concerns about the activities of ASIO.

(4) As the IGIS falls within the Prime Minister's portfolio, the Prime Minister or her Department are best placed to respond to this matter. 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. However, as Mr Wilson has previously self-disclosed that he has made complaints to the IGIS, in these circumstances the IGIS has advised 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.”

(5) See answer to question (4).

(6) Consistent with longstanding practice, it is not appropriate to comment on operational matters.

(7) Consistent with longstanding practice, it is not appropriate to comment on operational matters.

(8) Consistent with longstanding practice, it is not appropriate to comment on operational matters.