[LINK] Big Bro Stephen Is Watching

[Sylvano]

On Sunday 22 March 2009, Jan Whitaker wrote:

> BTW, have any linkers applied to ASIO for their file?

I' m too boring (I think) to be on their files. ;-) But reading up on the 
topic is certainly fascinating.

The entry at Wikipedia and the quote below seems a little rough when 
considered in light of the info at official sources, but I ain't no expert, so 
don't expect to see me in the edit history...

 ASIO File - Wikipedia
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASIO_File

 "Anecdotal evidence suggests a suspected 
  ASIO file can be obtained by requesting it. 
  The Archives Act may be of assistance. Successful 
  file owners seem to have taken a direct approach. 
  Contacting the National Archives may help.[1]. Tenacity 
  may be required."

 [1] Fact sheet 53 – Personal information in ASIO records
 http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs53.aspx

Contacting the National Archives would seem a little more than helpful.  It 
appears to be "the" way to get ASIO records, subject to those those items 
being over 30 years old, not subject to the range of exemptions in place and 
assuming one can correctly identify the documents of relevance given that they 
kind of don't exist in a sense.  

Also, the following is interesting:

 Fact sheet 69 – ASIO files on writers and literary groups
 http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs69.aspx#section2 

In particular, 

<QUOTE>
Records still in ASIO custody

Please note that the Archives does not hold all ASIO files on literary groups 
and individual writers, but only those files which have been made available 
following applications for access under the Archives Act 1983. Files on other 
groups or individuals may exist in ASIO's custody and you may apply to us for 
access to material that is more than 30 years old on any as yet unreleased 
ASIO files. See Fact Sheet 33 – Security intelligence records held in Canberra 
for details on how to apply for access to ASIO records. Reference staff will 
assist you in making your application.

All ASIO records are photocopied before they are released for public access. 
The copies are made available once information identified in them as exempt 
under the Archives Act has been deleted. Further information about the types 
of information in ASIO records that is withheld is available in Fact Sheet 52 
–  Exempt information in ASIO records.

New material from ASIO is continually becoming available to public 
researchers, so you should regularly search the RecordSearch database to 
ensure that you are aware of the most recent material.
</QUOTE>

Also:

 Fact sheet 52 – Exempt information in ASIO records
 http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs52.aspx#section1

 Fact sheet 33 – Security intelligence records held in Canberra
 http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs33.aspx

 Fact sheet 173 – Security intelligence records held in Melbourne
 http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs173.aspx

And the legislation for the National Archives of course.

 Archives Act 1983
 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/aa198398/index.html

So much to learn, sp little time... 


Sylvano

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