37Minister may give directions of specific nature to1

37 Minister may give directions of specific nature to1 Director-General2 Minister may give directions3 (1) If the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest4 to do so, the Minister may give written directions of a specific5 nature to the Director-General about the performance of the6 Director-General’s functions, or the exercise of the7 Director-General’s powers, under this Act.8 Limitations and requirements9 (2) However, the Minister must not give a direction in relation to the10 content of, or any conclusions to be reached in, any advice, report11 or assessment (however described) by the ACIC or the12 Director-General under this Act.13 (3) In giving a direction under subsection (1), the Minister must not14 override the opinion of the Director-General:15 (a) on the question of whether the collection of intelligence by16 the ACIC concerning a particular person, entity or group17 would, or would not, be consistent with ACIC’s functions; or18 (b) on the question of whether a communication of intelligence19 concerning a particular person, entity or group would be20 consistent with the ACIC’s functions;21 unless the Minister sets out, in the direction, the Minister’s reasons22 for overriding the opinion of the Director-General.23 Note: See section 38 for additional requirements in relation to such24 directions.25 Compliance with directions26 (4) The Director-General must comply with a direction under27 subsection (1).28 (5) Subsection (4) does not apply to the extent that the direction relates29 to the Director-General’s performance of functions, or exercise of30 powers, under the following Acts in relation to the ACIC:31 (a) the Public Service Act 1999;32