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What Are the Australian Government Investigation Standards (AGIS) 2022?
The Australian Government Investigation Standards (AGIS) 2022 are the official benchmark for conducting investigations across the Australian public sector. Issued by the Attorney-General’s Department, these standards apply to all Australian Government agencies that investigate criminal, civil, or administrative breaches—either directly or through contractors.
The AGIS isn’t just a document for investigators—it’s a framework that shapes how the government upholds law, fairness, and public trust. Whether you’re involved in investigations, oversight, compliance, or training, understanding AGIS is not optional—it’s essential.
Why You Should Know About AGIS!
Whether you’re an investigator, manager, policy officer, or contractor working in or with the government, understanding AGIS is essential. The AGIS set out minimum requirements and best practice guidelines for planning, conducting, and reporting investigations. It covers everything from case initiation and risk assessment to evidence handling, interviewing, legal compliance, procedural fairness, and finalisation.
While not legislation, AGIS is binding on Australian Government departments and widely adopted across state and local government bodies, statutory authorities, and regulatory agencies.
The AGIS provide:
1. Legal and Ethical Compliance
The AGIS ensures that investigations are carried out lawfully, ethically, and fairly. Knowing the standards helps you uphold procedural fairness, protect human rights, and avoid breaches that can invalidate investigations or lead to litigation.
2. Consistency and Quality
The standards promote a nationally consistent approach to investigations. This helps investigators across agencies apply the same high-quality processes, making inter-agency cooperation and reporting more effective.
3. Professional Credibility
Adhering to the AGIS enhances your reputation as a skilled, accountable, and principled investigator. It shows your commitment to best practice, which is highly valued in compliance, enforcement, and regulatory roles.
4. Training and Qualifications
Modern investigation training—like the Certificate IV and Diploma of Government Investigations—are based on AGIS. If you’re pursuing or delivering these qualifications, a strong grasp of AGIS is not just recommended—it’s expected.
5. Public Trust
At the heart of AGIS is the principle of integrity in public service. Knowing and following these standards helps build and maintain community confidence in how government agencies investigate wrongdoing.