Is ASIO\u27s corporate governance an oxymoron?

摘要

This paper investigates corporate governance in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australia\u27s domestic intelligence agency. The paper seeks to determine and understand the extent to which ASIO\u27s approach to corporate governance emulates that of organisations in the wider public sector and the private sector. This examination of ASIO\u27s corporate governance considers the organisation\u27s purpose, functions and extraordinary powers focusing on the importance of secrecy to achieving its objectives. The paper will also assess whether it is appropriate to attempt to assess ASIO\u27s corporate governance in the same terms, and according to like standards, as are used to evaluate governance in \u27normal\u27 or \u27regular\u27 public and private sector organisations. Finally, the paper provides an overall evaluation of ASIO\u27s approach to corporate governance and considers how this approach affects the organisation\u27s treatment of its stakeholders and the extent to which it serves their interests.