Media Release

FA148 - 28 November 2003

Funding for Security at Australia’s Overseas Missions

The Government will provide additional funding to enhance security measures at Australia’s overseas missions, to protect staff and visitors alike.

Since 2001-02 the Government has spent more than $30 million on security measures at Australia’s overseas posts. Additional funding of up to $70 million will bring the total available to more than $100 million over the next four years.

The new funding will allow the strengthening of security to continue through a range of measures such as upgrading mission surveillance and guarding; strengthening mission perimeters; wider application of ballistic and bomb blast protection; and improved access control systems. Also, some missions will be relocated.

The Government attaches the highest priority to the security of the people who visit and work in Australia’s missions overseas.  Security measures are kept under continual review both by the posts themselves and my Department.

The Government undertakes regular comprehensive threat and risk assessments of our overseas posts in consultation with other governments and host country authorities. The assessments are continually reviewed to take into account new information and circumstances, and our security settings are amended accordingly.

While it is not possible to guarantee the elimination of all risks, the additional measures to be introduced will significantly enhance the protection of our overseas missions.

Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministers office) (02) 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) (02) 6261 1555