Appointer Sir Peter Cosgrove Inaugural holder Justice Geoffrey Reed | Term length 7 years Formation 1949 | |
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The Director-General of Security is the executive officer of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the domestic security agency of Australia. The Director-General, through the Organisation, has overall responsibility for the protection of the country and its citizens from espionage, sabotage (especially sabotage of critical infrastructure), politically motivated violence, attacks on the Australian defence system, terrorism and acts of foreign interference.
The Director-General is assisted by two Deputy Directors-General, although only one of the former Deputies, David Fricker, was publicly identified. The Director-General is subject to the directions of the Attorney-General, although convention allows the Director-General direct access to the Prime Minister. The Director-General of Security is often regarded as Australia's 'top spy', even though they may not have been previously engaged in intelligence upon appointment. The incumbent Director-General is Duncan Lewis, appointed in 2014.
Appointment and tenure
The Director-General is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister and holds office under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. The normal term of appointment is limited to seven years, although the Director-General is eligible for reappointment.