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Information About

Defence Signals Directorate





OVERVIEW

According to its website , DSD has two principal functions:
  • to collect and disseminate foreign signals intelligence;

  • to provide information security products and services to the Australian Government and its Defence Force.


Based in Canberra , it operates monitoring facilities at Kojarena , Western Australia and at Shoal Bay , Northern Territory , which are believed to be part of the ECHELON system. It may also play a role in Pine Gap .

Under the 1948 UKUSA agreement, DSD's intelligence is shared with its foreign partner agencies:


FACILITIES

The DSD operates at least two receiving stations: the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station (ADSCS), located at Kojarena, near Geraldton in Western Australia, and the Shoal Bay Receiving Station , located at Shoal Bay, Northern Territory. These stations contribute signals intelligence for many Australian Government bodies, as well as the wider UKUSA partners. The DSD also maintains a strong workforce at Pine Gap in central Australia.

In addition, many embassies and overseas missions also provide a return flow of signals intelligence. The most prevalent sources are in Malaysia and Indonesia , targeting mainly high level politicians and defence personnel.


NAMING

The Directorate has operated under a number of different names since its founding:

  • 1947 - Defence Signals Bureau established within the Department of Defence

  • 1949 - Changes name to Defence Signals Branch

  • 1964 - Changes name to Defence Signals Division

  • 1978 - Changes name to Defence Signals Directorate



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