CHAPTER 4

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CHAPTER 4 Australian Crime Commission activities 2011–2012

4.1 This chapter provides an overview of the ACC's programs and respective activities over the 2011–12 period of review.

Program 1.1.1 Strategic Intelligence Services

4.2 Deliverables in relation to the ACC's strategic criminal intelligence services include the provision of:

an annual assessment of National Criminal Intelligence Priorities (NCIPs) for ACC board endorsement;
intelligence-sharing mechanisms including the Fusion Capability;
intelligence products to law enforcement agencies containing analysis of organised crime trends, methodologies and significant targets and emerging issues;
a biennial Organised Crime Threat Assessment which underpins the Commonwealth and National Organised Crime Response Plans; and
strategic intelligence reports.[1]

Efforts to improve criminal intelligence

4.3 During the year, the ACC revised its criminal intelligence product suite range by distinguishing analytical intelligence products from tactical intelligence products. Analytical material includes the 'Picture of Criminality in Australia' report, briefings, strategic assessments, operational analysis, Fusion reports, current and emerging issues reports and intelligence briefs whereas tactical products include information reports and 'other information'.[2] Tactical intelligence products include information reports which contain immediate and relatively raw information. The information contained in these reports is often collated and used in analytical reports.[3] The ACC commented that distinguishing and reporting on the various product types will allow for more effective internal prioritisation and resource allocation.[4]

4.4 From a range of over 20 lines of analytical intelligence reports in early 2011, the ACC has focused on rationalising its product suite to seven. These include:

Strategic assessment—to inform high level clients such as Board members of criminal issues and broad implications of likely changes in the criminal markets or crime types in the next two to five years.
Operational analysis–general—to inform operational law enforcement managers and analysts about judgements regarding current, emerging and predicted criminal trends, methodologies and activities that aim to influence immediate operational decisions and inform the next planning cycle.
Operational analysis–alert—to inform operational law enforcement managers and analysts about an emerging criminal issue or change that may require immediate operational, policy or legislative consideration or prompt further intelligence collection and monitoring.
Operational analysis–target brief—to inform and support operational decision makers in assessing key targeting priorities and developing strategies for disruption and/or intervention.
Current and emerging issues report—to inform senior ACC stakeholders of current and emerging issues with strategic implications for the Australian criminal environment.
Intelligence brief—to inform a customised client base about important intelligence on a single issue of high interest to the ACC.
Fusion intelligence report—to inform senior stakeholders of key feeds of current intelligence on areas of national priority relating to serous and organised crime.[5]

4.5 The ACC also noted that it had collaborated more widely to develop the agency's understanding of the nature of threats in relation to particular programs which led to the production of more strategic intelligence reports circulated to a broader range of agencies. Examples include potential threats to the Australian carbon pricing mechanism and the potential impact of organised crime in the investment sector.[6]

4.6 During the year, the ACC applied a new Intelligence Standards Framework (ISF) for intelligence analysts following a global best practice benchmarking exercise. The ISF provides a 'whole-of-life' approach for intelligence analysts from recruitment. It serves as an intelligence model to enable the ACC to bring intelligence standards, practices, processes and policies into one place.[7] According to the ACC, the ISF has already delivered benefits such as providing a central point for the development of intelligence standards, practices and processes. It contains eight standards of analytic tradecraft for application alongside the ACC's new intelligence philosophy and principles—'pioneering, predictive, professional, precise and partnered'.[8] The eight standards include 'properly describes quality and reliability of sources' and 'incorporates alternative analysis where appropriate' as well as 'logical argumentation'.[9]

4.7 Other efforts to improve tools and the methodology that underpins the ACC's intelligence collection and analysis include the development of a new online system for collecting vital information and intelligence from partner agencies about serious and organised crime targets operating in Australia. The creation of the online system followed from an assessment of the needs of partner agencies regarding the collection of data about criminal targets.[10]

4.8 An external review of the methodology used to assess the harms associated with specific types of serious and organised crime was also undertaken which identified the need to revise the ACC's process to align its harm assessment with international best practice.[11] Further, the new risk assessment methodology involves a threat assessment and harms assessment process whereby risk is a function of the assessed threat and harm level: Risk = Threat x Impact.[12] When asked to explain the equation, the ACC stated that it is conceptual and:

...refers to the idea that the risk posed to Australia by specific types of serious and organised criminal activity can be established through an assessment of the threat that the activity poses (based on the capability and intent of those undertaking the activity) and an assessment of the impact that the activity has on Australia (measured by the Harms assessment process in the ACC). These two factors––threat and impact––are then considered together to derive a qualitative measure of risk.[13]

4.9 A review was also undertaken of the Target Risk Assessment Methodology (TRAM) used to 'establish the significance of serious and organised crime networks in Australia'. The TRAM is part of the National Targeting System (NTS) and is used by the ACC and law enforcement agencies to manage the National Criminal Targeting List (NCTL). While the review found that the current methodology is consistent with international best practice, its recommendations, which are not detailed in the annual report, will be implemented in 2012–13 to 'significantly improve our ability to analyse and use information captured for operational and strategic outcomes'.[14]

4.10 When asked about the findings and recommendations of the review, the ACC responded that the key findings of the review included a need for a more nuanced approach to the analysis and comparison of threat types posed by serious and organised crime, and wider accessibility to intelligence submitted in support of a threat rating.[15] The resulting methodological and technological changes which encompass 18 threat variables are collectively known as TRAM v2.[16] The transition from the original TRAM to TRAM v2 will involve some overlap between assessment methodologies over 2013 as existing targets are reassessed and new ones are added to the NCTL.[17]

Key criminal intelligence publications

4.11 The flagship publications of the ACC concerning criminal intelligence which are highlighted in the annual report include the:

National Criminal Target Report 2012 which details the risk posed by known organised crime groups operating in Australia. The report complements the National Criminal Target List which identifies organised crime risks. This year's report features three new sections—regional differences across the states and territories; looking back to understand how Australia's criminal landscape has evolved; and looking forward to highlight advances in the shared understanding of serious and organised crime.[18]
Illicit Drug Data Report 2010–11 launched in May 2012. It details the extent of the illicit drug market in Australia. In 2010–11, there were 69 595 illicit drug seizures weighing over 9.3 tonnes nationally. This is an increase in the number and weight compared to 2009–10. The report noted that cannabis remains the dominant illicit drug in Australia in terms of arrests, seizures and use.[19] Other notable statistics in the report included:
- 84 738 people arrested for illicit drug arrests in 2010–11 which is the second highest number of arrests reported in the last decade.
- 703 clandestine laboratories detected in Australia in 2010–11.[20]
Organised Crime 2020 report which forecasts likely trends in the organised crime environment by assessing emerging issues drawn from Australian and international law enforcement and other intelligence resources.[21]
Organised Crime in Australia 2011 report which is an unclassified version of the Organised Crime Threat Assessment and was launched in April 2011. The ACC intends to produce a public Organised Crime in Australia report every two years with the next report due in 2013.[22]

Strategic assessments and policy support

4.12 During the year, the ACC produced 35 strategic assessments covering topics including serious and organised investment fraud and cybercrime.[23] The assessments featured in the annual report include the potential organised crime threat to the Australian carbon pricing mechanism, national illicit firearm assessment, and the potential impact of organised crime on sport.[24]

Program 1.1.2—Investigations and intelligence operations into federally relevant criminal activity

4.13 The three components of ACC investigations and operations include (a) special investigations, (b) special operations, and (c) national database and analytical tools. During the year, the ACC worked on four special investigations and five special intelligence operations.[25]

4.14 Through its special investigations and special operations, the ACC helped to disrupt a total of 26 criminal targets, stop $67.71 million worth of drugs from hitting the streets, restrain $103.59 million proceeds of crime, seize $5.47 million in cash, charge 97 people and convict 45 people. The ACC also conducted 328 coercive examinations and shared a total of 1884 intelligence products with partner agencies.[26]

4.15 The deliverables in relation to program 1.1.2 include:

In response to priorities identified by its board, the ACC in collaboration with law enforcement and related Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies, undertakes intelligence operations, special intelligence operations and special investigations, which gather relevant information about the extent, impact and threat of criminal activity;
special investigations are designed to disrupt and deter criminal activity through arrests and seizures of illegally obtained assets, in cooperation with partner agencies;
the use of coercive powers under special intelligence operations and special investigations enables the ACC to collect information that may not otherwise be available to law enforcement; and
the ACC also provides a national criminal intelligence database and analytical tools, which facilitate the sharing and analysis of criminal intelligence across jurisdictions.[27]

Special investigations

4.16 Special investigations are designed to disrupt and deter criminal groups by collecting evidence and intelligence about criminal activity. During the year in review, the ACC worked in four special investigations designed to disrupt and deter criminal groups with focus on high risk criminal targets, criminal wealth, established criminal networks—in Victoria, and high risk crime groups—in South Australia. The following tables provide an overview of the aims, highlights and achievements in relation to each special investigation.

Aims, highlights and achievements 2011-12 of special investigations
Highest risk criminal targets Aim: To maximise the impact against, and disruption to, targeted serious and organised crime entities representing the greatest risk and threat nationally. Highlights & achievements: Provided partners with 707 intelligence assessments, alerts, reports and briefs through 1917 disseminations to inform investigative opportunities and strategic decision making; Conducted 80 examinations including referrals to partner agencies and 150 notices to produce documents; Disrupted 20 high risk crime entities including three transnational syndicates involved in illicit drug offences of which two were also involved in money laundering and one was using commercial airline pilots to import drugs into Australia. This investigation contributed to the seizure of drugs and precursors with an estimated street value of $59.3 million. Seizure of more than $2.5 million in cash. Issue of pecuniary penalty orders to the value of $4.3 million. Recovery of 13 illicit firearms and ammunition. 146 charges laid against 47 individuals and the conviction of 34 individuals.[28] Projects within this special investigation, including a number of multi-agency investigations, have disrupted drug manufacture and trafficking, seizure of drugs and arrests.[29] In June 2011, the ACC board approved a special investigation into the highest risk criminal targets which is expected to run to 30 June 2014.
Targeting criminal wealth Aim: Working in partnership with stakeholders to reduce the impact of serious and organised crime on the Australian community by detecting, disrupting and preventing activities through which criminal wealth is acquired, accumulated, concealed or transferred.[30] Highlights & achievements: Conduct of 132 examinations and issue of 202 notices to produce documents leading to the production of 458 intelligence assessments, alerts and briefs provided to partners through 1388 disseminations. Disruption of three crime entities including a money laundering syndicate in Melbourne and serious and organised investment fraud on the Gold Coast. ACC work contributed/led to seizure of drugs with estimated value of $78.5 million and of $2.7 million in cash. IT also contributed to the laying of 77 charges of 35 people and conviction of 8 individuals. Task Force Galilee, established on 13 April 2011 in response to concerns about serious and organised investment fraud operates under this special investigation.[31] This special investigation is due to run to 30 June 2014.[32]
Established criminal networks—Victoria Aim: To work in partnership with Victoria Police to enhance knowledge and understanding of the nature, extent, and methodologies of high risk criminal groups and their impact on the Victorian and national community. Through this work, the ACC also aims to reduce the threat posed by the highest risk crime groups operating in or impact on Victoria. Highlights & achievements: Conducted 14 examinations and produced 6 intelligence products which were provided to partner agencies through 7 disseminations. Eight of the examinations supported ongoing Victoria Police investigations with the provision of intelligence about suspected drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offences by a syndicate operating in Victoria. Coercive powers used to gather intelligence about the involvement of criminal networks in the evolving firearms market, processes used to launder proceeds of crime, and links to corruption.[33]
High risk crime groups—South Australia Aim: Working in partnership with South Australia Police to enhance understanding of the nature, extent, methodologies of high risk criminal groups and their impact on South Australia and the broader Australian community. Through this work, the ACC also aim to reduce the threat posed by the highest risk crime groups operating in or impact on South Australia. Highlights & achievements: Conducted 18 examinations and produced 16 intelligence products which were provided to partners through 22 disseminations. Through the special investigation and use of coercive powers, intelligence was gained on the membership, structure and activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in South Australia, murders involving outlaw motorcycle gang members, drug production, financial affairs of a crime syndicate involved in drug manufacture/distribution, and the use of violence to facilitate criminal activities. Work within this investigation contributed to charges being laid against three individuals for offences under the Australian Crime Commission Act (South Australia) 2004. In May 2011, the ACC board approved the extension of this special investigation to 30 June 2014.[34]

Aims, highlights and achievements 2011-12 of special investigations

Highest risk criminal targets

Aim: To maximise the impact against, and disruption to, targeted serious and organised crime entities representing the greatest risk and threat nationally.

Highlights & achievements:

Provided partners with 707 intelligence assessments, alerts, reports and briefs through 1917 disseminations to inform investigative opportunities and strategic decision making;

Conducted 80 examinations including referrals to partner agencies and 150 notices to produce documents;

Disrupted 20 high risk crime entities including three transnational syndicates involved in illicit drug offences of which two were also involved in money laundering and one was using commercial airline pilots to import drugs into Australia.

This investigation contributed to the seizure of drugs and precursors with an estimated street value of $59.3 million.

Seizure of more than $2.5 million in cash.

Issue of pecuniary penalty orders to the value of $4.3 million.

Recovery of 13 illicit firearms and ammunition.

146 charges laid against 47 individuals and the conviction of 34 individuals.[28]

Projects within this special investigation, including a number of multi-agency investigations, have disrupted drug manufacture and trafficking, seizure of drugs and arrests.[29]

In June 2011, the ACC board approved a special investigation into the highest risk criminal targets which is expected to run to 30 June 2014.

Targeting criminal wealth

Aim: Working in partnership with stakeholders to reduce the impact of serious and organised crime on the Australian community by detecting, disrupting and preventing activities through which criminal wealth is acquired, accumulated, concealed or transferred.[30]

Highlights & achievements:

Conduct of 132 examinations and issue of 202 notices to produce documents leading to the production of 458 intelligence assessments, alerts and briefs provided to partners through 1388 disseminations.

Disruption of three crime entities including a money laundering syndicate in Melbourne and serious and organised investment fraud on the Gold Coast.

ACC work contributed/led to seizure of drugs with estimated value of $78.5 million and of $2.7 million in cash. IT also contributed to the laying of 77 charges of 35 people and conviction of 8 individuals.

Task Force Galilee, established on 13 April 2011 in response to concerns about serious and organised investment fraud operates under this special investigation.[31]

This special investigation is due to run to 30 June 2014.[32]

Established criminal networks—Victoria

Aim: To work in partnership with Victoria Police to enhance knowledge and understanding of the nature, extent, and methodologies of high risk criminal groups and their impact on the Victorian and national community. Through this work, the ACC also aims to reduce the threat posed by the highest risk crime groups operating in or impact on Victoria.

Highlights & achievements:

Conducted 14 examinations and produced 6 intelligence products which were provided to partner agencies through 7 disseminations. Eight of the examinations supported ongoing Victoria Police investigations with the provision of intelligence about suspected drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offences by a syndicate operating in Victoria.

Coercive powers used to gather intelligence about the involvement of criminal networks in the evolving firearms market, processes used to launder proceeds of crime, and links to corruption.[33]

High risk crime groups—South Australia

Aim: Working in partnership with South Australia Police to enhance understanding of the nature, extent, methodologies of high risk criminal groups and their impact on South Australia and the broader Australian community. Through this work, the ACC also aim to reduce the threat posed by the highest risk crime groups operating in or impact on South Australia.

Highlights & achievements:

Conducted 18 examinations and produced 16 intelligence products which were provided to partners through 22 disseminations.

Through the special investigation and use of coercive powers, intelligence was gained on the membership, structure and activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in South Australia, murders involving outlaw motorcycle gang members, drug production, financial affairs of a crime syndicate involved in drug manufacture/distribution, and the use of violence to facilitate criminal activities.

Work within this investigation contributed to charges being laid against three individuals for offences under the Australian Crime Commission Act (South Australia) 2004.

In May 2011, the ACC board approved the extension of this special investigation to 30 June 2014.[34]

Special operations

4.17 Special operations are focused on gathering intelligence around particular criminal activity so decisions are informed by the extent, impact and threat of that activity. During the year, the ACC worked on five special operations, the aims and highlights of which are summarised below:

Aims, highlights and achievements 2011 –12 of special operations
High risk and emerging drugs Aim: Working with partners to generate and share intelligence on illicit drug markets in Australia to develop a more detailed understanding of the size, profitability, trajectory and drivers of the markets; proactively monitor and report on new processes and methodologies; identify and report on the higher risk crime networks operating in the domestic illicit drug markets; and assist with the disruption of high risk criminal networks and the markets themselves.[35] Highlights & achievements: Conducted 19 examinations and issued four notices to produce documents and other records. All examinations concerned importations, high-level domestic production of illicit drugs or attempts to exploit systemic vulnerabilities by organised crime groups to establish or increase their market share. Production of 111 intelligence products which were provided to partners through 347 disseminations. Coercive examinations enabled the ACC to contribute to briefs of evidence by two partner agencies in relation to drug offences before the courts. Assessment has found that traditional drug markets of methylamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and heroin remain entrenched, but that the broader illicit drug market is becoming increasingly diversified, with a vast array of substances now available. It also notes that many drug markets are being shaped by the rapidly developing cyber and technology environment, with details such as new drugs, doses, how to administer, effects and drug combinations now being spread via social networking and bulletin boards developed to promote illicit drug use, rather than just word of mouth. The ACC board approved this special operation to run through to 30 June 2014. The overarching drug-related priorities identified in the Organised Threat Assessment are expected to guide the ACC's priorities under this special operation for the next two years. [36]
National security impacts from serious and organised crime Aim: To provide support on an 'as needs' basis through access to ACC coercive powers, to investigations by law enforcement and national security agencies into matters related to national security impacts from serious and organised crime.[37] Highlights & achievements: 12 examinations conducted and 16 intelligence products produced which were provided to partners through 57 disseminations. Work with the AFP to target and disrupt domestic-based organisers and facilitators of people smuggling, and to identify and examine the nature of any actual or potential convergence between people smuggling syndicates and serious and organised crime groups. As a member of Task Force Polaris established to conduct waterfront-related investigations and to contribute to a whole-of-government response to organised crime in the maritime port environment. While 'much of what this task force has achieved is not public due to the classified nature of the work', the ACC noted that its work has already led to the arrest of 11 persons and over 60 charges being laid.[38] Further, $883 980 and US$20 000 was seized as well as 114 tonnes of tobacco and 92 million cigarettes representing $74 million in duty.[39]
Making Australia hostile to serious and organised crime Aim: To assist in making Australia's society, its institutions, industries and economy hostile to serious and organised crime. Highlights & achievements: 8 examinations were conducted and 29 intelligence products were produced and provided to partners through 195 disseminations. Use of coercive powers to develop intelligence to support Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities investigation targeting an Australian-based syndicate suspected of being involved in international trafficking of endangered species. Central themes of this special operation include identity crime and cybercrime. Within this thematic work, the ACC provides strategic and operational analytical assessments on emerging technologies and contemporary identity crime trends and methodologies. In conjunction with the Department of Climate change and Energy Efficiency, the ACC investigated the potential exploitation of the Home Insulation Program by serious and organised criminals. The ACC found no systemic exploitation of the scheme by such groups.[40]
National Indigenous Intelligence Task Force (Indigenous violence or child abuse No.2) Aim: To collect and analyse information concerning violence and child abuse committed against Indigenous people and related criminal offending to produce reports and targeted intelligence that partner agencies can act on, support investigations, provide and instigate policy and law reform advice, and facilitate national intelligence collection and sharing. Highlights & achievements: 18 field visits were undertaken, 42 examinations were conducted and 93 notices to produce documents were issued. 80 intelligence products including strategic assessments and intelligence briefs were produced and provided to partners through 284 disseminations. 72 tactical intelligence products were produced and disseminated 149 times to partner and non-partner agencies including five target packages which focus on criminality in Indigenous communities. 8 analytical intelligence products were disseminated 149 times to partner and non-partner recipient agencies. These included five target packages which focused on criminality in Indigenous communities and provided in-depth analysis for stakeholders.[41] The use of the ACC's 2010 publication Australia's Response to Sexualised or Sexually Abusive Behaviours in Children and Young People by the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia. The report examined therapeutic services available to divert children and young people from sexualised or sexual offending behaviours, and the Law Reform Commission used its findings to review the Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2004 (WA).[42]
Child sex offences Aim: To support law enforcement agencies to develop intelligence and investigate child sex offences, through the use of coercive powers. Highlights & achievements: Three examinations were conducted with seven intelligence products produced which were provided to partner agencies through 22 disseminations. ACC's work contributed to the disruption of the activities of one person who was charged with a number of offences. That work also contributed to the ACC's understanding of the 'methodologies used to conceal child exploitation material on computers.'[43] Examination of the encryption methodologies that conceal child exploitation material on computers in cooperation with a law enforcement agency.[44] A 12-month investigation undertaken and reported on in the last annual report led in December 2011, to the sentencing of one individual to a term of 12 years imprisonment. Found guilty on 87 counts for offences against 55 separate victims across the country, original charges included multiple counts of using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 years of age for sex as well as possessing, procuring and producing child pornography.[45]

Aims, highlights and achievements 2011 –12 of special operations

High risk and emerging drugs

Aim: Working with partners to generate and share intelligence on illicit drug markets in Australia to develop a more detailed understanding of the size, profitability, trajectory and drivers of the markets; proactively monitor and report on new processes and methodologies; identify and report on the higher risk crime networks operating in the domestic illicit drug markets; and assist with the disruption of high risk criminal networks and the markets themselves.[35]

Highlights & achievements:

Conducted 19 examinations and issued four notices to produce documents and other records. All examinations concerned importations, high-level domestic production of illicit drugs or attempts to exploit systemic vulnerabilities by organised crime groups to establish or increase their market share.

Production of 111 intelligence products which were provided to partners through 347 disseminations.

Coercive examinations enabled the ACC to contribute to briefs of evidence by two partner agencies in relation to drug offences before the courts.

Assessment has found that traditional drug markets of methylamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and heroin remain entrenched, but that the broader illicit drug market is becoming increasingly diversified, with a vast array of substances now available. It also notes that many drug markets are being shaped by the rapidly developing cyber and technology environment, with details such as new drugs, doses, how to administer, effects and drug combinations now being spread via social networking and bulletin boards developed to promote illicit drug use, rather than just word of mouth.

The ACC board approved this special operation to run through to 30 June 2014. The overarching drug-related priorities identified in the Organised Threat Assessment are expected to guide the ACC's priorities under this special operation for the next two years. [36]

National security impacts from serious and organised crime

Aim: To provide support on an 'as needs' basis through access to ACC coercive powers, to investigations by law enforcement and national security agencies into matters related to national security impacts from serious and organised crime.[37]

Highlights & achievements:

12 examinations conducted and 16 intelligence products produced which were provided to partners through 57 disseminations.

Work with the AFP to target and disrupt domestic-based organisers and facilitators of people smuggling, and to identify and examine the nature of any actual or potential convergence between people smuggling syndicates and serious and organised crime groups.

As a member of Task Force Polaris established to conduct waterfront-related investigations and to contribute to a whole-of-government response to organised crime in the maritime port environment. While 'much of what this task force has achieved is not public due to the classified nature of the work', the ACC noted that its work has already led to the arrest of 11 persons and over 60 charges being laid.[38] Further, $883 980 and US$20 000 was seized as well as 114 tonnes of tobacco and 92 million cigarettes representing $74 million in duty.[39]

Making Australia hostile to serious and organised crime

Aim: To assist in making Australia's society, its institutions, industries and economy hostile to serious and organised crime.

Highlights & achievements:

8 examinations were conducted and 29 intelligence products were produced and provided to partners through 195 disseminations.

Use of coercive powers to develop intelligence to support Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities investigation targeting an Australian-based syndicate suspected of being involved in international trafficking of endangered species.

Central themes of this special operation include identity crime and cybercrime. Within this thematic work, the ACC provides strategic and operational analytical assessments on emerging technologies and contemporary identity crime trends and methodologies.

In conjunction with the Department of Climate change and Energy Efficiency, the ACC investigated the potential exploitation of the Home Insulation Program by serious and organised criminals. The ACC found no systemic exploitation of the scheme by such groups.[40]

National Indigenous Intelligence Task Force (Indigenous violence or child abuse No.2)

Aim: To collect and analyse information concerning violence and child abuse committed against Indigenous people and related criminal offending to produce reports and targeted intelligence that partner agencies can act on, support investigations, provide and instigate policy and law reform advice, and facilitate national intelligence collection and sharing.

Highlights & achievements:

18 field visits were undertaken, 42 examinations were conducted and 93 notices to produce documents were issued.

80 intelligence products including strategic assessments and intelligence briefs were produced and provided to partners through 284 disseminations.

72 tactical intelligence products were produced and disseminated 149 times to partner and non-partner agencies including five target packages which focus on criminality in Indigenous communities.

8 analytical intelligence products were disseminated 149 times to partner and non-partner recipient agencies. These included five target packages which focused on criminality in Indigenous communities and provided in-depth analysis for stakeholders.[41]

The use of the ACC's 2010 publication Australia's Response to Sexualised or Sexually Abusive Behaviours in Children and Young People by the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia. The report examined therapeutic services available to divert children and young people from sexualised or sexual offending behaviours, and the Law Reform Commission used its findings to review the Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2004 (WA).[42]

Child sex offences

Aim: To support law enforcement agencies to develop intelligence and investigate child sex offences, through the use of coercive powers.

Highlights & achievements:

Three examinations were conducted with seven intelligence products produced which were provided to partner agencies through 22 disseminations.

ACC's work contributed to the disruption of the activities of one person who was charged with a number of offences. That work also contributed to the ACC's understanding of the 'methodologies used to conceal child exploitation material on computers.'[43]

Examination of the encryption methodologies that conceal child exploitation material on computers in cooperation with a law enforcement agency.[44]

A 12-month investigation undertaken and reported on in the last annual report led in December 2011, to the sentencing of one individual to a term of 12 years imprisonment. Found guilty on 87 counts for offences against 55 separate victims across the country, original charges included multiple counts of using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 years of age for sex as well as possessing, procuring and producing child pornography.[45]

National criminal intelligence database and analytic tools

4.18 The national Australian Criminal Intelligence Database (ACID) serves as a repository for much of the intelligence that the ACC assembles itself as well as the intelligence uploaded by its partners.

4.19 ACID enables more than 24 Commonwealth, state and territory law enforcement agencies and other regulatory authorities to securely 'share, collate and analyse criminal information and intelligence nationally'.[46]

4.20 A scoping study initiated in 2011 to consider how ACID should evolve into the future is now 'well advanced'. The study is expected to identify the business requirements for a new criminal intelligence database to replace the existing database and tools.[47]

4.21 In addition, a data quality improvement program is currently underway to reduce the incidents of data duplication and increased consistency in searchable fields. Therefore:

Next year we expect to see changes in access control to improve information sharing, better integration of ACID data into the ACC-led National Criminal Intelligence Fusion Capability and improvements to ACID data quality.[48]

Committee view

4.22 The committee acknowledges the important work that the ACC has undertaken over the review period and recognises the commission's efforts in areas including joint taskforces such as Task Force Galilee.

Mr Chris Hayes MP
Chair

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