Understanding ASIO
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is an agency that gathers intelligence relating to security, but it is not responsible for law enforcement. ASIO has the power to question you to gather intelligence, and even to detain you. However, ASIO officers do not carry guns, and they do not have the power to arrest you.
Can ASIO search my house?
ASIO can only search your house if they have a warrant. If the warrant specifies that they can only enter your premises at a certain time, you do not have to allow them access at other times. Make sure you check precisely what the warrant permits the ASIO officer to search.
A warrant may enable ASIO to search for any record or thing that they consider relevant to a security matter. They may search through any computer, electronic equipment, safe, box, drawer, parcel, envelope or other container. They may inspect, examine, copy and remove any record or thing.
Do I have to cooperate?
You should be cooperative as an ASIO warrant also authorises them to use force that is necessary and reasonable to do the things specified in the warrant.
ASIO Detention powers
Detention by ASIO is different to detention or arrest by AFP. ASIO has no power to arrest you, but they are allowed to question you and detain you if they believe it would help them gather intelligence in relation to a terrorism offence.