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Defence Security and Vetting Service

The Defence Security Division (DSD) (formerly the Defence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS) and the Defence Security Authority (DSA)) is a security agency within the Australian Government, and plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. DSD agents closely collaborate with their U.S equivalent; the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

The DSD sits within Australia’s National Intelligence Community (NIC) security architecture as Defence’s principal protective security authority, interfacing directly with whole‑of‑government bodies such as the Security and Intelligence Board (SIB) and its subordinate committees responsible for protective security, counterintelligence, and insider‑threat governance.

The DSD is headed by Australia's Chief Security Officer (CSO) and is the primary counterintelligence agency for Defence security in Australia. The current incumbent is First Assistant Secretary, Mr Peter West.

DSD operates under the Defence Legislation Amendment Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024, empowering DSD agents with dedicated Defence-specific espionage legislation.

DSD's primary responsibility is the provision of protective security and counterintelligence services to the Australian Government. DSD also provides outreach security and cybersecurity services, the provision of security threat and risk assessments, investigating protective security breaches and manages the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).

DSD agents are embedded within ASIO for closer collaboration on matters pertaining to Defence-specific espionage and Top Secret Privileged Access security clearances. DSD is the parent agency of the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).

DSD agents are accredited Australian Government investigators, consistent with their U.S DCSA Special Agent counterparts. DSD agents are required to complete the Diploma of Government (Security) and the Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or the Diploma of Government (Investigation).

Chief Security Officer

The Chief Security Officer is the Australian senior official responsible for providing the Australian Government with security assurance—through protective security, counterintelligence, espionage‑threat mitigation, and Defence‑specific security intelligence—by leading and administering the Defence Security Division.

The position is an executive‑level organisational role established under the Department of Defence’s internal governance framework. The CSO’s authority comes from the:

  • Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024
  • Defence Act 1903 (general powers of the Secretary and CDF)
  • Defence Legislation Amendment (Security of Defence Premises) Act 2011 (Authorising the use of lethal force in the protection of Defence premises)
  • Public Service Act 1999 (APS employment and SES authority)
  • Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
  • Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF)

Functions

DSD agents specialise in a range of duties, including:

  • Conducting covert field investigations into major national security breaches (including the theft of seven rocket launches in 2007 and thwarting the Holsworthy Barracks Terror Plot).
  • Provides protective security support and cooperation with ASIO and the AFP in the investigation of major security incidents, consistent with its role in assisting national security operations such as Operation PENDENNIS,
  • Conducting offensive and defensive counterintelligence activities (including identifying double-agents across Australian Government)
  • Conducting special protective security functions
  • Detecting espionage efforts across the Australian Defence Organisation
  • Liaising with national and international intelligence, counterintelligence and security entities in the provision of government security
  • Evaluating security performance and risk
  • Reporting security compliance
  • Administrating the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency
  • Develops and promulgates security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy,
  • Meets Defence's needs and assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation, and
  • Contributes to broader national security outcomes by managing the Defence Security Principles Framework, which helps decision-makers understand and manage evolving security risks effectively.

See also

References

External links