as was posted here ... Asia News - Australia’s budget cashes for intelligence review
Australia’s budget cashes for intelligence review
CANBERRA (Xinhua) — The Australian federal government on Wednesday quietly announced an independent review of the secretive intelligence community.
It will spend 3 million Australian dollars (2.69 million U.S. dollars) to look at espionage agencies including the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) , the international- focused Australian Secret Intelligence Service and four other groups that make up the community.
“The review will enable an in-depth examination of the work of the intelligence community to ensure its effectiveness in supporting the policy and operational needs of the government,” the budget paper said.
It was due to be completed by the end of 2011.
The 3 million dollars (2.69 million U.S. dollars) will be taken from the broader ASIO budget.
The decision followed the 2004 Flood inquiry which had called for regular inquiries of the secretive community.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s department will oversee the review.
English.news.cn 2010-05-12 09:43:26
