Safeguarding Australia

20 April 2006
Please note that the second part of this newsletter - covering publications and events - can be accessed from here.

There are two security terms we will be hearing much about this year. They are resilience and public-private security partnerships .

Resilience is all about ensuring that critical infrastructure or communities can withstand disasters and rebound quickly. The term will become commonplace as policy makers acknowledge that you can't always protect critical infrastructure etc from disasters so the goal should be making them more resilient. Resilience encapsulates robustness and redundancy, as well as rapid response and recovery.

Public-private security partnerships (PPSP) are becoming of great policy and practical interest as it becomes apparent that the private sector can provide significant prevention, first response and operational capability which until now has mostly gone untapped. Traditionally, government law enforcement and emergency services have been the sole provider of these capabilities but with the success of PPSP oversees, such as the UK 's Project Griffin and the US NYPD Shield, governments are looking at their relevance in Australia .

Finally, next week wee two major events which Engineers Australia is proud to be involved in. They are:

The Protecting Mass Gatherings Symposium is run in association with the Trusted Information Sharing Network groups:

This event is an important development for the protection of the built environment and we encourage all members to attend. For information on both events, see www.criticalincidentmanagement.com.au/ .

Engineers Australia submission to the Inquiry into naval shipbuilding in Australia

A Senate inquiry into naval shipbuilding in Australia has received a submission from Engineers Australia. The inquiry's terms of reference are to report upon the scope and opportunity for naval shipbuilding in Australia and in particular:

Engineers Australia 's submission stated that:

The submission is available from http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fadt_ctte/shipping/submissions/sublist.htm

Attorney-General to speak at the Protection of Mass Gatherings Symposium

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has confirmed he will be speaking at the 'Protection of Places of Mass Gatherings' Symposium, being held in Sydney on 28 April. Organisation of the conference reflects concerns about the threat posed by terrorists for soft targets, such as shopping centres and public buildings, where large numbers of people regularly gather - and is being run in association with two Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) groups. See www.criticalincidentmanagement.com.au/Mass/index.htm .

Augmented Australasian Police Ministers' Council

Emergency and Police Ministers across Australia agreed earlier this month that they want an early finalisation of a national emergency management plan (catastrophic disasters) that would include provision of fundamental necessities such as food, shelter, medical and financial services to the Australian community.

The special meeting of the Augmented Australasian Police Ministers' Council considered and endorsed the report on the Review of Australia's Ability to Respond and Recover from Catastrophic Disasters that commenced in 2004 following a recommendation from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in its report Natural Disasters in Australia ; Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements .

By definition, a catastrophic disaster is beyond any one government's ability to cope in terms of response and recovery arrangements.

The ministers agreed that, with the completion of the review and consideration of these issues, this meeting of the Council is very timely in light of recent international catastrophic natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina in the US and the Pakistan Earthquake. Closer, on our shores, Cyclone Larry's impact on Northern Queensland , while not catastrophic, has certainly had a severe impact on the community, economy and infrastructure of the region.

Review of the E-Security National Agenda

The Australian Government will review its e-security national agenda to create a secure and trusted electronic operating environment for users.

The online landscape has changed significantly since the agenda was announced in September 2001 with the emergence of new technologies and more serious e-security attacks. Australia 's security framework must be able to respond to these dangers.

The convergence of communications, information technology and the Internet has created entirely new ways of working for government, business and home users. The review will ensure Australia is well prepared for the opportunities and challenges of this new environment. While the Government will drive this review, contributions from industry will be crucial to its success.

E-security is an important element in the protection of Australia 's critical infrastructure. The review aims to ensure that law enforcement and national security agencies can respond to e-security incidents of national consequence.

The discussion paper to assist consideration of the issues is available at: www.dcita.gov.au/ie/e-security . The closing date for submissions is 8 May 2006.

Proceeds of crime funds to improve disaster victim DNA identification

The Australian Government is providing $900,000 in proceeds of crime funding to the National Institute of Forensic Science for a project that will improve in-field DNA testing and facilitate the identification of disaster victims.

The National Forensic Science Research Facility plays an important role in developing new technologies that will enhance the ability of law enforcement and national security agencies to protect the Australian community. This project will develop a rapid and cost effective process for 'closed-set' DNA, which will be able to be used outside of forensic laboratories. Current techniques for DNA profiling are relatively slow and expensive.

Such a tool will help ease the burden borne by the families of victims of events such as the Tsunami or Bali bombings by significantly reducing the time needed for DNA identification.

Major changes to the oversight of law enforcement integrity and discipline

A package of legislation has been introduced into the federal parliament to enhance and streamline the handling of law enforcement disciplinary issues. There will be two major reforms.

ACLEI investigators will have the full range of specialist police investigative powers, including telecommunications interception, to assist in the Integrity Commissioner's investigations.

The AFP Commissioner and the CEO of the ACC will be required to report all suspected cases of corruption within their organisations to the Integrity Commissioner, who may also initiate an investigation on his or her own motion or in response to a referral from the Minister or another agency, or a public complaint.

The legislation will create a Parliamentary Joint Committee to oversee the operation of the ACLEI.

Changes to the AFP's complaints and discipline regime will involve non-punitive managerial measures to improve performance wherever this can be effective. In serious cases the Commissioner of Police will still have the power to dismiss officers whose performance is unsatisfactory.

New research to strengthen biosecurity safeguards

A new national Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis is to be established at the University of Melbourne . The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the centre would become a major contributor to risk analysis, especially in the fight to maintain Australia 's 'clean green' biosecurity status. The centre would also contribute heavily in the areas of human health, business, ecology and social science. The Centre would be led by Professor Mark Burgman, one of Australia 's leading environmental risk experts.

Airport Price Review Fails to Mention Security

The Australian Government has commissioned a public inquiry into current arrangements for the price regulation of airports. The terms of reference does not refer to security services which have become a significant justification for raising airport charges.

In 2002, the Government replaced the system of price caps at Australia 's major airports - Adelaide , Brisbane , Canberra , Darwin , Melbourne , Perth and Sydney - with price and quality of service monitoring. The Government considered this approach would provide greater scope for airports to price, invest and operate efficiently.

The Government announced that price monitoring would be introduced for a period of five years to 30 June 2007, during which time the current arrangements would be reviewed.

The Commission is to report on whether airport operators have acted in a manner consistent with the Government's Review Principles and on effectiveness of the current form of prices regulation of airports having regard to the objectives that the regulatory regime should:

Organisations interested in making a submission to the inquiry can do so via www.pc.gov.au .

Microsoft to work on government IT security

The Australian Government has signed an agreement with Microsoft Australia that will give the company visibility of how its products are being used by the Australian government, and how its security measures and systems are working. Under the Security Cooperation Program Agreement, Microsoft Australia will similarly provide the Australian Government with greater access to information about security threats and vulnerabilities that could affect its IT systems. The agreement will establish formal processes to manage threats and ensure the best possible responses to cyber attacks are put in place. States and Territories also will be able to sign up to the program and build the same relationships and benefits.

Homeland Security Buyer Visit

Austrade is organizing a visit from a major Singapore Homeland Security buyer to Australia in the period May 1- May 10, 2006.Austrade Singapore is liaising with Unicorn International Pte Ltd, a preferred supplier to many defence, police and other government agencies in Singapore . The company is a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd. ( visit www.stengg.com/kinetics/ourbusiness.aspx )

Key company executives want to meet Australian companies who can offer solutions, expertise and the supply of product in the following areas -

. chemical , biological, radiological and explosive (CBRE) detection and protection
. hazardous materials detection vehicles
. advanced sensor and information management systems
. technology and expertise for police, civil defence and prisons
. maritime security
. airport security
. transportation security
. vital installation security

To register your interest in meeting this company please complete the on-line form at http://www.austradeevents.com.au/SingaporeBuyerVisit

More service personnel now eligible for the Australian Defence Medal

Australia will recognise the service of more than one million current and former Defence Force personnel with the Australian Defence Medal (ADM), Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson, announced on 30 March 2006.

"Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award that aims to recognise current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regular and Reserve personnel, and volunteer and National Servicemen, who have served since the end of World War II," Mr Billson said.

People eligible for the Australian Defence Medal (ADM) are those who have served for at least four years, or, completion of their initial term of engagement, whichever is the lesser.

In addition, eligibility for the ADM will be extended to ex-service personnel who:

The application form is at http://www.rfd.org.au/documents/medalapp.pdf

Report on the Use of Surveillance Devices

The first annual report of the operation of the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 (for the year ending 30 June 2005) indicates that 257 surveillance warrants have been issued to law enforcement agencies since the Act began operation on 15 December 2004, with 73 arrests and 71 prosecutions made as a result of the use surveillance devices. The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, predicts the use of surveillance and tracking devices will "increase in time as State law enforcement bodies adopt the Commonwealth's model regime as an essential tool in their investigative toolkit." Issuance of the annual report is further said to provide a base for scrutiny of the exercise of powers under the Surveillance Devices Act by the Ombudsman, the Attorney-General and the Parliament.

AUKMIN to replicate AUSMIN

The UK and the Australian Prime Minister have agreed to explore the possibility of establishing between Australia and the United Kingdom something akin to the regular AUSMIN talks that take place between Australia and the United States .

Labor Caucus Transport and Maritime Security Task

Labour has established a Labor Caucus Transport and Maritime Security Task Force. The Task Force has been established to highlight the Howard Government's failure to safeguard Australia 's infrastructure and borders from various incursions, including:

The Task Force will be travelling to various regions across Australia , talking to local communities, unions, industry and interest groups about their experiences and concerns in the area of transport and maritime security.

The Task Force will be reporting back to the Leader of the Federal Labor Party, the Hon Kim Beazley MP in May, 2006, with a series of recommendations.

If you would like to make a submission to the Task Force, or believe that there is a particular community the Task Force should visit, please email anna.burke.mp@aph.gov.au or write to:

Transport and Maritime Security Task Force, PO Box 31 , BOX HILL VIC 3128

Emergency control organization and procedures for buildings, structures and workplaces

The Australian Standards committee - AS3745 'Emergency control organization and procedures for buildings, structures and workplaces' - is meeting today and tomorrow (20/21 April) in Canberra .

There are a number of challenges being considered, especially in relation to security risks, security threats and linkage to corporate governance. People interested in contributing should contact Geoffrey Harris on Mobile : 0419 462 798.

Recovery of Qld Electricity Network following Cyclone Larry

Below is a statement to the Queensland Parliament on 29 Mar 2006 detailing the details of the post-Cyclone Larry electricity recovery process. It was provide the the Hon R Mickel, Minister for Energy and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy.

The energy sector is facing the challenges posed by Cyclone Larry mainly through the magnificent efforts of Ergon Energy, Powerlink and Energex staff. My Department of Energy, through its membership of the State Disaster Coordination Group, has been heavily involved in the response to this unprecedented disaster. The department's main task is to liaise with energy organisations on the many energy supply issues that arise. I am impressed with the coordination and commitment of all involved in the rapid response. Tropical Cyclone Larry had a devastating impact on electricity transmission and distribution networks in far-north Queensland . Seven Powerlink high-voltage transmission lines were knocked out of service when Cyclone Larry struck.

The combined length of the lines affected was over 300 kilometres. There was widespread damage to Ergon Energy's lower-voltage distribution networks, particularly in the Innisfail, Babinda and the southern Atherton Tablelands areas. Some parts of the distribution network were almost totally destroyed. There have been many difficulties to contend with in restoring supply. Initial responses were slowed as the high winds and rain made it impossible for crews to assess any damage at all. Low cloud made it impossible for helicopter reconnaissance of the four out of service high-voltage transmission lines that traverse the densely vegetated World Heritage listed rainforest areas.

The heavy rain which followed the cyclone resulted in floods which limited road access to the region. At the peak of the outages, 135,000 Ergon Energy customers across the far north were without power. From the moment the cyclone cleared, Ergon Energy, Powerlink and a number of Energex staff have worked around the clock under the most difficult circumstances to restore power as quickly as possible.

At the height of the recovery program, Ergon Energy, Powerlink and Energex had more than 600 staff working across the region, most putting in 12-hour shifts. Ergon Energy had more than 500 staff on duty, as crews poured into the disaster area, coming from Townsville, Charters Towers, Home Hill, Bowen, Sarina, Rockhampton, Mackay and as far afield as the south-west of the state. Sixty contractors were also in the field with Ergon Energy, Energex and Powerlink staff working to repair transmission and distribution networks. Energex provided additional resources, sending workers north to help the recovery. When the call for help went out, 130 Energex staff volunteered to be part of the almost 50-strong workforce heading north to assist.

There are also 23 Energex work trucks in the north, allowing for 20 autonomous work crews to be deployed where most needed. Both Ergon Energy and Energex immediately identified 30 industrial sized generators to relocate to the disaster area, to use as an interim emergency measure until power supply was restored. The first generators arrived late Monday evening. The generators were and still are being used to power priority sites as advised by the district and local disaster management groups. All of these actions brought quick results. By 6 pm Monday, less than 12 hours after the cyclone, the number of customers without power had dropped to 84,000. By late Tuesday afternoon, power was restored to two of the seven high-voltage transmission lines which enabled the restoration of bulk supply to Ergon Energy at Cardwell, Tully and the northern Cairns area. By 6 pm Tuesday, the number of customers without power dropped to 45,000.

By Wednesday night, the number of customers without power supply had further reduced to 30,000. A further two transmission lines were restored on Thursday. By Friday, the northern high-voltage transmission line into Innisfail was returned to service after a tower was successfully replaced. The efforts involved in returning this line to service show the logistic problems the recovery effort faces. A replacement tower had to be delivered to the site of a fallen tower by Chinook helicopter and a new access road had to be constructed to allow a crane on site to erect the tower.

At 8.30 on Friday morning the replacement tower was bolted in place. Even before it was completely bolted down, linesmen had climbed the tower to commence the rewiring. That is an example of the marvellous work that has been performed across the far-north region affected by Larry. Damage to the remaining transmission line still out of service is significant. But bulk supply power has been restored to all of far-north Queensland , I am advised.

Whilst resupply work on the Kareeya to Innisfail transmission line has been temporarily abandoned, efforts are now focused on splitting the transmission line from Edmonton to Innisfail to ensure that the high-voltage network has the necessary backup systems and security of supply. Ergon Energy's distribution network has been severely damaged in places and may have to be completely rebuilt. By last night at 6 pm, work on the distribution network had reduced the number of Ergon Energy customers without power to 13,400.

Rolling seven-day plans have been established by 926 Ministerial Statement 29 Mar 2006 Ergon Energy for areas in both the tablelands and Hinchinbrook zones that are still without power. The tablelands, Cardwell, Tully, Innisfail, Babinda and Mission Beach plans are expected to be completed by next Sunday, 2 April. Some of the worst hit rural and coastal feeders will not be resupplied in the next seven days due to the extensive distribution network damage. And there are still dangers residents need to be aware of. Ergon Energy has warned residents not to connect generators to fixed home wiring or to the Ergon Energy network. There is the potential for fatalities from illegally set up generators sending current back through a line that workmen think is not live.

Significant damage to homes has possibly caused damage to residential electrical wiring and switchboards. Ergon Energy is advising that homeowners will need to ensure their wiring is safe before power can be restored. I know a number of honourable members have thanked the workers. Today I want to place on record my thanks to every Ergon Energy, Powerlink and Energex worker and the many contractors who have answered the call to help out their fellow Queenslanders.

Their effort has been magnificent. I acknowledge the wonderful work done by Ergon Energy and Powerlink executives who went immediately to far-north Queensland to oversee the unprecedented recovery operation. I also acknowledge the extraordinary patience of the many residents who have had to endure the terrible impacts of this devastating natural disaster.

Victoria Amends it Counter-Terrorism Act

The Victorian Government has amended the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 to assist Victoria in meeting the challenge posed by the threat of terrorism .

Important changes have been made to the provisions that require the operators of essential services infrastructure to plan for the protection of those services from the effect of terrorist acts. An amendment to the requirement to provide risk management plans and participate training exercises specifies that the plans and exercises must comply with a prescribed standard. This ensures that the arrangements to protect critical infrastructure are in accordance with recognised standards and practices. The relevant minister's power to issue directions to essential service providers to prepare a risk management plan or participate in training exercises is supported by offence provisions. The failure to comply with the minister's direction is an offence subject to significant penalties. An amendment is also made to remove the requirement that a declaration to apply part 6 of the act (that includes requirements for management plans and to participate in training exercises) to operators of essential services, including any infrastructure, need not be published in the Government Gazette.

The public identification of assets that are critical to the delivery of essential services is not prudent in our current security environment.

The bill also amends a number of other Victorian acts to ensure a consistent approach across Victorian legislation to the disclosure of security sensitive documents. The bill amends the Public Records Act to deal with security sensitive documents held by the Public Records Office. This has not been done previously, and the government views that it is now timely to do so.

Victoria Increases Port-Side Security

Victoria 's ports will be secured like never before thanks to six new water police boats, according to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Tim Holding. The boost to the water police fleet would allow police to conduct more patrols and ensure an even faster response to marine incidents. An expanded fleet means a more visible police presence, an improved counter terrorism capability and even better response times.

Four high-tech 7.5 metre port security boats as well as two spectacular Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats have been purchased as part of the $3.5 million investment. Mr Holding said Victoria 's counter-terrorism capability would be further enhanced with a range of sophisticated equipment, including:

The side-scan sonar system enables police to map potential hazards under the water line, and check for suspicious activity that may be invisible from above.

WA Creates Body to Improve Standards of WA Security Industry

The WA Government is moving to improve regulation of Western Australia 's security industry with the formation of the new Security Industry Advisory Council.

The Council aims to improve the industry's ethical and professional standards of practice. The Council is a non-legislative based structure, which will provide advice on issues relating to the security industry in Western Australia . It will comprise industry representatives and the WA Police. The Council will be chaired by an independent chairperson to ensure fairness to all participants. The chair will be Tony Carter who was previously chief executive officer of RAC Insurance Pty Ltd.

The Government has also flagged that it will empower police to remove and prevent entry of criminal elements into the security industry. Amendments to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 have already been drafted to enable this..

New draft Australian CCTV Standard

Standards Australia recently released a new CCTV Standard for public comment. The Draft AS 4806.4-Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)-Part 4: Remote video monitoring-Code of Practice. It is available from http://www.cctvconsultants.com.au/pdf/EL-051-P0004.pdf

Public comment closes on 24 May 2006.

The other CCTV draft standards available are:

The drafts can be downloaded from http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/ncphome.nsf/Page/RWPE2AD9E105B1E5E57CA2570BA001488EB

New Centre for International Security Studies

The University of Sydney has created the Centre for International Security Studies. The Chair in International Security Studies will be held by Professor Alan Dupont.

The University claims that the "new Centre for International Security Studies will be Australia 's first truly interdisciplinary group providing academic research and strategic policy advice on international security".

"There is far more to international security than issues of military strategy and defence", said Professor Dupont. "The international security agenda has broadened dramatically since the end of the Cold War. Any meaningful analysis of international security today must incorporate consideration of issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, disease, food, energy and water scarcity, terrorism and transnational organised crime as well as defence and military conflict. I will be linking with leading universities, policy institutes and think tanks here and overseas as well as drawing on the wide range of expertise at the University of Sydney to advance the Centre's research agenda", he said.

Calls for Papers

Asia-Pacific Security Conference

Security professionals are invited to submit an abstract to be considered for presentation during ASIS International's inaugural Asia-Pacific Security Conference, February 5-7, 2007 in Singapore .

The ASIS International Asia-Pacific Conference in Singapore will explore key security topics including avian flu, natural disasters, protection of intellectual property, terrorism, insurgency, casino security, and transit security. To submit an abstract, please visit: http://asis.confex.com/asis/2007/index.html . The deadline for abstract submission is 30th June 2006.

Security Challenges

The editors of the Kokoda Foundation's journal Security Challenges , are seeking articles from academics and professionals alike. The journal reaches a wide audience of established military, government, commercial and academic experts as well as up-and-coming younger players in the security field. It is a vehicle for innovative thinking about future challenges to the security (broadly defined) of Australia and other countries in the Asia Pacific region. Guidelines for drafters are available at http://www.kokodafoundation.org/journal/guide.htm .

The editors welcome articles (4000-6000 words incl. footnotes) or commentaries (1000-2000 words incl. footnotes). Please contact the editors with inquiries or submissions by email at editor@kokodafoundation.org and also check out the other publications and activities of the Kokoda foundation at www.kokodafoundation.org .