Media Release
FA20 - 7 March 2003
Counter-Terrorism Package
I am today announcing a package of further measures to fight terrorism in our region, including the creation of a new position of Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.
These initiatives build on measures already taken by the Australian Government since the September 11 attacks and reflect the high priority we place on the war against terrorism at home and in our region.
The Canberra-based Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, to be appointed shortly, will provide a focal point for promoting, intensifying and coordinating our efforts to defeat this scourge, including through international advocacy and representation.
Today I am signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Counter-Terrorism with Fiji's Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola. Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries are vulnerable to terrorist attacks and exploitation by terrorist networks. This new agreement will complement the extensive counter-terrorism assistance we are already providing to the region through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Australia signed similar agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand last year and with the Philippines this week. We have also agreed on the text of a counter-terrorism agreement with India and will soon begin negotiations with Cambodia.
Australia is committed to strengthening the role of regional organisations in the battle against terrorism. Initiatives include co-hosting with Singapore an ASEAN Regional Forum workshop on managing the consequences of a terrorist attack. The workshop, to be held in Australia mid-year, will bring emergency experts together for talks on managing attacks including those involving chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.
Next week I will lead a team of eight Australian Ministers to Jakarta for the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum on 11 March. Terrorism will be high on the agenda including ways to strengthen bilateral efforts to combat terrorism across a range of portfolios.
In addition, the head of the Indonesian Police, General Da'i Bachtiar, is visiting Australia from 5-8 March to build on the excellent cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian police following the Bali bombing.
We are working closely with the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) on arrangements for a new regional conference on security issues, including the nature of the terrorist threat facing the region and how best regional governments can respond.
The war against terrorism has underlined the importance of Australia's defence and law enforcement relationships, especially in our region. Our latest initiatives will strengthen these relationships and in doing so, help protect Australians and Australia's interests at home and abroad.
Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Julie McDonald (Departmental) +61 02 6261 155