The system allegedly intercepts not only European communications, but most
of the globe, including Australia. New Zealander Nicky Hager wrote a book
on the subject in 1996 entitled "Secret Power. New Zealand's role in the
International Spy Network". Craig Potton Publishing, ISBN 0-908802-35-8,
299pp. The book also talks about the Australian DSD role in the Echelon
network. Former NZ Prime Minister David Lange wrote a foreword to the book
in he says:
"It is an outrage that I and other ministers were told so little, and this
raises the question of to whom those concerned saw themselves as
ultimately answerable."
There is further information available here:
Exposing the Global Surveillance System
http://caq.com/CAQ59GlobalSnoop.html
>..
>Poole and Ford have their work cut out for them: Neither Britain nor the
>United States will admit that Echelon even exists.
Australia won't admit much either. See attached extract from Hansard.
Interesting is the claim that DSD operates strictly within Australian law.
How does one obtain a warrant for mass interception and surveillance?
Is it mere coincidence that DSD is also the agency responsible for
determining crypto export licenses?
Greg
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http://demos.anu.edu.au:7007/cgi-bin/pastimepub/article.pl?dir=years/1997/ma
y/7/hansard/sen&art=226
Australian Senate Hansard for 7th May 1997
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
`Echelon' Surveillance System
(Question No. 502)
Senator Bourne asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence,
upon notice, on 19 March 1997:
(1) What is the status of the `Echelon' security surveillance system.
(2) Does the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) use Echelon to monitor
all electronic communications to and from Australia, including: (a) telephone;
(b) facsimile; and (c) e-mail communications.
(3) Is there an intelligence surveillance agreement involving
Australia's DSD and equivalent agencies in the United States of America, the
United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand that commits the sharing of information
obtained from this surveillance.
(4) What are the pre-programmed words in the dictionary system used by
the interception facilities monitoring such telecommunications networks.
Senator Newman--The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer
to the honourable senator's question:
(1) to (4) It is the long established practice of Australian governments
not to comment on intelligence operations. The Defence Signals Directorate
(DSD) collects and disseminates foreign intelligence to meet the requirements
of the Commonwealth Government. It operates strictly within Australian law and
in accordance with Australian Government Rules to protect the privacy of
Australian citizens. Within that framework DSD participates in arrangements
providing for the exchange of information between Australia and its
allies.