Strengthening our National Security
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Media Release
12 May 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced around $100 million in funding over four years to strengthen Australia’s national security framework as part of the Government’s $685 million investment in national security.
“This funding will support counter-terrorism efforts, enhance Australia’s policing and intelligence capacity in our region, bolster computer security and continue the national security public information campaign,” Mr McClelland said.
The Rudd Government will provide $82.8 million to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to enhance cooperation with law enforcement counterparts in South and South-East Asia, and to combat the threat of terrorism in our region, including against Australians and Australian interests.
Funding will also be provided for ongoing community engagement and cultural awareness programs in Australia including language training for AFP officers.
“This funding will enable the AFP to effectively address and respond to offshore security incidents in cooperation with local police,” Mr Debus said.
Recognising the Australian community's increasing reliance on information and communications technology in all aspects of life, the Commonwealth will provide $8.8 million on e-security, to bring together Australia’s existing computer emergency response arrangements under a new national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The new national CERT, to be created in collaboration with AusCERT, will provide a single point of contact for e-security information for all Australians and Australian businesses.
It will also ensure Australian internet users have access to information on cyber threats, vulnerabilities in their systems and information on how to better protect their information technology environment.
This initiative was a key recommendation of the E-Security Review 2008.
The Commonwealth will also invest $6.8 million to upgrade and enhance the communications capability of Government and emergency authorities in the event of a major national security or disaster event through an upgrade of the Wireless Priority Service System.
The existing emergency communications service currently provides priority mobile access for up to 1,000 key Federal, State and Territory users across the country. Today’s additional investment will upgrade the existing service to provide priority access for up to 30,000 potential users.
The Rudd Government has also committed $2 million over two years for the national security public information campaign.
These measures form part of the Rudd Government’s commitment of $685 million to strengthen Australia’s national security framework across the vital areas of airport security, counter-terrorism, policing and intelligence capability in our region and e-security.
Media Contacts:
Adam Siddique (Minister McClelland's office) 0407 473 630
Samantha Wills (Minister Debus' office) 0448 721 372