21 June 2004 - E79/04

Australia Joins UN Convention to Strengthen Fight Against Transnational Organised Crime

Australia is now a party to a global instrument in the fight against organised crime following the ratification of two key UN statutes which come into force this Friday (25 June).

This is a further example of Australia's global leadership in this area, especially the fight against people smuggling and trafficking in persons.

The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land Sea and Air were ratified by Australia on 27 May 2004.

The Convention and the Protocol provide a critical framework for international co-operation in the fight against organised crime and people smuggling. Australia was active in the negotiation of these treaties and is among the first Western countries to ratify them.

These UN instruments are aimed at criminalising offences committed by organised criminal groups, combating money laundering and facilitating international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime.

Australia is highly active in all these areas through our law enforcement and border control agencies, and will shortly release draft legislation to strengthen the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Australia's agencies have had considerable success in fighting organised crime in the region, including a massive drug "precursor" chemical seizure in Fiji this month and a series of convictions of people smugglers.

Australia will soon ratify another important treaty, the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. This was announced on 13 October 2003 and will take place as soon as the Government's new anti-trafficking offences are passed.

Australia's Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues has made a major contribution to the fight against people smuggling and trafficking in persons through the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime. This process has had a significant impact on regional efforts to combat both these crimes through practical co-operation, legislation, and awareness.

Australia's ratification of the Convention against Transnational Crime and its People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons protocols is another example of the Government's commitment to combating all forms of transnational organised crime.

Inquiries:  Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 02 62777 500, Simon Troeth (Senator Ellison's office) 02 6277 7260