It has been reported in the Australian media that the Australian domestic spy agency ASIO will take over issuing the highest level security clearances in Australia in response to an unprecedented threat from espionage and foreign interference.
The legislation will make the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) responsible for positive vetting, which involves the issuing, maintaining and revoking Australia’s highest level of security clearance.
Although this function was dealt with by a range of agencies, including the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian federal police and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI), it was felt that centralization of decision making was better.