Spy agency cops it over Afghan incident

The Australian Secret Intelligence Service has agreed to implement recommendations from the intelligence watchdog over a curious incident in Afghanistan.

Australia's overseas spy agency has copped it on the chin over a bizarre incident in Afghanistan in which a special forces soldier allegedly pulled a gun on a female agent during a drinking session.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence said it had concluded its inquiry and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service had accepted and implemented all its recommendations.

IGIS provided few details, although the 2013-14 annual report noted that ASIS didn't have adequate controls to ensure an agent wouldn't be carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol.

In its latest annual report, it said it launched an inquiry into ASIS' management of weapons "in a particular location" following a serious incident in that location in December 2013.

IGIS lamented it was barred from providing more details on security grounds.

"It is difficult for the office to continue to demonstrate rigorous and credible oversight given the strict limitations on public reporting," the report says.

Defence has revealed little beyond disclosing that nine soldiers faced disciplinary action.

In a Senate estimates hearing in February, Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin confirmed that one of those charged was the person who drew the weapon. Others charged were not necessarily involved in the actual incident.

IGIS is the security and intelligence services watchdog, investigating complaints and conducting its own inspections to ensure agencies are following proper procedures.

The 2014-15 report reveals it received 496 complaints, the vast majority (473) concerning delays in visa security assessments. That was similar to the previous year.

In a chapter headed "Rowdy neighbours", IGIS investigated handling of a noise complaint from a Canberra resident near the new Australian Security Intelligence Organisation building.

This wasn't excessive partying but an alarm system that constantly went off in the middle of the night, waking family members and neighbours.

ASIO admitted there had been a problem, which had now been fixed.

IGIS also examined a complaint about an ASIO raid in the early hours of the day. The complainant said those involved were unnecessarily aggressive and caused significant distress to a young child.

IGIS said such an event would probably alarm anyone.

ASIO's own video did not show the initial entry but did show the complainant was properly advised why he was being raided and that the raid had been authorised by a warrant.

It said the child was given appropriate care and attention until other family members arrived.


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Source: AAP



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