History | Australian Signals Directorate

Established in Melbourne on 1 April 1947, the role of the Defence Signals Bureau (later to become ASD) was to exploit foreign communications, and protect communications security in the armed services and government departments. Public acknowledgement of ASD’s role, however, did not occur until 1977; some 30 years after it was established.

However, the history of ASD began in the Second World War and the development of signals intelligence in Australia goes further back to the First World War.

Over the years, ASD has continued to meet any challenge thrown in its path, including global upheavals, technological advances and even pandemics. Despite these challenges, the people of ASD continue to serve and protect the interests of Australia.

Explore the resources below to learn more about ASD’s history.

Nyrambla (State Library of Queensland, Neg 67869)

ASD stories

The Australian Signals Directorate has a rich history. ASD was formed as a peacetime signals intelligence organisation in Albert Park, Melbourne. To learn more about ASD’s roots and beginnings, read some of our stories.

ASD timeline

For 75 years, ASD has collected intelligence about foreign adversaries while keeping our own national secrets safe. Explore ASD’s history and trace its origins back to the Second World War, when Australian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel were brought together to intercept and decode radio signals.

Malayan Emergency - SGT Jock Richardson and platoon exiting truck - AWM HOB/56/0749/MC

ASD declassified

Starting with our precursor signals intelligence (SIGINT) agencies during the Second World War, ASD has always operated in the slim area between the difficult and impossible. While many things have changed over the years, our core functions, and our values, have remained largely unchanged.

Manual cipher device with a grid in the centre with words in each cell and sliding rulers along the top and side.

ASD decoded

During World War II, the codeword ULTRA was used to protect information provided through signals intelligence. The use of codewords has continued since then to protect sensitive information, including projects and capabilities. Explore these unique stories and information through the years.

Promotional image for Decoded Exhibition.

ASD 75^th Anniversary

1 April 2022 marked the start of the 75th anniversary of the Australian Signals Directorate. Find out about the activities that marked ASD’s significant milestone.

The Factory

This is the story of the people who did the everyday work of collecting and analysing foreign signals. It reveals how they approached the complexity of world politics and managed massive technological change, from the days of radio transmissions to high-capacity machine systems and computing during the Vietnam War.