Home       Previous newsletters

1. New Appointments
2. News briefs
3. Historic meeting of Australia’s leading security professional groups
4. NSW Election 2007 Counter Terrorism Policy.
5. Access Card Faces Uncertain Future After Senate Inquiry
6. AusCheck’s proposed pricing for MSIC and ASICs
7. Counter-Terrorism program gets$3.6 million boost
8. Sixteen Community Partnership projects funded by NCCPP
9. APEC Public Holiday
10. North Queensland recovering well from Cyclone Larry
11. New Aviation Rescue And Fire Fighting Station At Hamilton Island Airport.
12. Immigration to commence finger scanning
13. Upcoming events
    • Address by Shadow Minister for Homeland Security
    • Address by Shadow Minister for Defence
    • Security Professionals Congress
    • 4th Annual Security Summit –Presented by the Security Network
    • Exercising Business Continuity Plans - A Business Continuity Institute Forum
    • Securing Australia and the role of Border Protection Command
    • The Future Australian Defence Force-Learning From The Past, Planning For The Future
    • Law and Liberty in the War on Terror
    • RMIA events
14. Submissions being sought
15. Public Hearing
16. New reports
    • Nuclear Proliferation Threat To Securing Australia’s Future
    • Responding to radical Islamist ideology: The case of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia
      
      

1 New Appointments

• Resignation of CEO of XTEK The Chief Executive Officer of XTEK Limited, Mr Steven Thompson has resigned.  A company statement cites ‘personal reasons’ for the sudden resignation. Mr David Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer has been appointed acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

• Lester Sutton appointed to Mediaware Mediaware, a digital video exploitation and processing house, has appointed Lester Sutton as its new Business Development Director for the Defence and Intelligence sectors.  Lester Sutton joins Mediaware from Honeywell, and prior to that appointment served 27 years in the Australian military.

2 News briefs

• Public Service Protective security manual “PSM” undergoes security upgrade: In light of increased security threats; the PSM manual has been given an upgraded security status. As of February 1, the classification will be upgraded to security-in-confidence, changing the way the manual is handled and stored. 
• ASIO to Assess Urban Transport Security: Australia’s urban transport networks will undergo a new security assessment in the middle of the year. The last threat assessment occurred in mid-2005.
• Israel Lebanon conflict cost Govt. $30 Million: The evacuation of Australian’s from Lebanon last year has been said to have costed the government more than $30 million.  The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade believes it will only be able to recover a fraction of the costs.

3 Historic meeting of Australia’s leading security professional groups

On 8 May 2007, a meeting will be held of all of Australia’s leading security professional groups to discuss common positions and issues of importance. The agenda is currently being developed but is believed to include issues such as

• regulation of the profession,
• professional standards,
• identification of common objectives and
• raising the status of the profession.

Groups participating include:

1. ASIS International - ACT, Victoria, NSW & New Zealand Chapters
2. Australian Information Security Association
3. Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers
4. Business Continuity Institute
5. Engineers Australia
6. Information Systems Security Australia
7. Institute of Security Executives
8. International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators - Australian Chapter
9. Risk Management Institution of Australia
10. SECIA
11. Victorian Security Institute

The meeting precedes the Security Professionals’ Congress which runs from 9 to 10 May. www.securityprofessionalscongress.org.au

4 NSW Election 2007 Counter Terrorism Policy

Below is the NSW Labor Party’s pre-election policy on counter-terrorism.  It is believed that these pre-election commitments will shape the new New South Wales Counter-Terrorism policy.

• Introduce a new state-of-the-art telephone messaging system allowing emergency services to send SMS alerts to all phones in a particular target area, alerting people to an emergency or terrorist attack, and providing instant advice and information.
• Invest $5 million over four years for new counter-terrorism measures on the rail network, including new ‘sniffer’ technology for CityRail’s underground. The devices, used in New York, can detect small traces of chemical or biological agents in the air.
• Commit an additional 110 police to counter terrorism, bringing the total strength of the Counter Terrorist Command to more than 600. This includes an additional ten officers to increase our surveillance capability.
• Purchase, with the Commonwealth, Spheron digital photographic and database equipment to help plan security operations and reconstruct crime scenes in three-dimensional, 360-degree ‘virtual reality’ images.
• Increase penalties for explosives offences and establish a new offence of supplying explosives or taking part in the supply of explosives.
• Enter into a national Proof of Identity system to further crack down on identity crime.
• Enhance relations between the Counter Terrorism Co-ordination Command, business and the broader community by establishing two new specialist police units to focus on greater cooperation and better sharing of information.
• Establish a counter terrorism buildings database for use by emergency service agencies in the event of a major terrorist strike on one of our cities.
• Purchase an aerial digital camera and upgrade the State’s digital records to assist in planning for and responding to counter terrorism and emergency events.
• Upgrade the records of the scope and extent of our underground tunnels with new digital imaging, to assist in the prevention and response to terrorist attacks and other emergencies.
• Provide $60,000 for new high-visibility vests and uniforms for RailCorp’s 600 strong Transit Officer Units. Since the 600 officers were deployed on the rail network, crime has fallen by more than 30 per cent. They also have specialist CT training

The full plan can be downloaded from www.morrisiemma.com.au or here.

5 Access Card Faces Uncertain Future after Senate Inquiry

A new parliamentary report has been released regarding a senate inquiry into the government’s proposed access card legislation.  On 8 February 2007, the Senate referred the provisions of the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007 to the Finance and Public Administration Committee for inquiry and report by 15 March 2007, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee. 

The Committee was charged with examining, among other things, the bill's provisions relating to the intended scope and purposes of the card; the information to be included in the card register and the card's chip and on the card's surface; and the range of offences aimed at prohibiting persons requiring an access card for identification purposes and prohibiting other improper uses of the card.

The senate inquiry into the access card legislation has been released, and expresses various concerns about the initiative. 
The committee enquiry makes several recommendations to address concerns over the haste with which the legislation has been considered, privacy, governance, appeals and review mechanisms.  The report also highlights instances of poorly defined terminology and other drafting deficiencies.

The card itself and the inclusion of biometric data such as photographs and signatures have all come under scrutiny, as there are fears these inclusions make the card a “de-facto national ID”.  Other additions such as the microchip containing personal information and the card numbers themselves, also raise privacy concerns.
The report urges the need for the Access Card Bill to be considered in whole with the second “tranche of legislation for the access card” rather than alone.

Government responses to the report’s findings are pending.

The full report is available here

6 AusCheck’s proposed pricing for MSIC and ASICs

A proposed cost for the security check for MSIC and ASICs has been published in the AusCheck Cost Recovery Impact Statement (CRIS).
The CRIS includes:

• A brief background to AusCheck;
• The Australian Government’s Cost Recovery Policy and Guidelines;
• The Costs to be included in the charges;
• A recommended price for 2007-08; and procedures for ongoing monitoring.

On 5 December 2005, the Government agreed to the establishment of a centralised government-vetting agency - now referred to as AusCheck - as a division of the Attorney-General’s Department. 

AusCheck will commence operations on 1 July 2007 and be responsible for coordinating the conduct of background criminal and security checks on applicants for Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASIC) and Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSIC), and for notifying the relevant issuing authority of the outcome of the background checks.

Background checks for ASIC and MSIC applicants are currently processed and coordinated by the Background Checking Unit of the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS). These functions will be transferred to AusCheck from 1 July 2007.

AusCheck was established to:

• Enhance national security by establishing greater and conspicuous control by Government of security arrangements at air and sea ports
• Maintain a database of up-to-date information on persons who apply for and are ultimately issued with an ASIC and/ or MSIC;
• Mitigate the risk of ASIC and MSIC cards going to ineligible persons, by preventing the use of fraudulent proof of identity documents to support the issue of an ASIC or MSIC;
• Reduce duplication and improve the consistency and response time of background checking in the aviation and maritime industries;
• Provide capacity to be used for other background checking purposes.

When established, AusCheck will operate on a cost recovery basis and maintain a comprehensive database of all applicants and cardholders for the aviation and maritime industries.

AusCheck will help the aviation and maritime industries to identify individuals who should not be eligible for an ASIC or MSIC, by applying a consistent interpretation of the statutory requirements and providing a recommendation to the relevant issuing body.

The full report is available here.

7 Counter-Terrorism program gets$3.6 million boost

Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, has announced another $3.6 million in funding to extend Australia’s comprehensive counter-terrorism exercise program.

Speaking at a recent conference in Sydney, Mr Ruddock said the money would assist preparations for September - when 21 world leaders will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-Operation Forum.

“Australia’s national security arrangements involve comprehensive, well-tested plans to prevent, and if necessary, respond to a terrorist incident,’’ Mr Ruddock said. 
“In fact, our counter-terrorism exercise program is arguably the most comprehensive in the world and regularly attracts international observers.’’

Most recently, the focus has been on preparing for APEC.  APEC-themed exercises have tested all aspects of Australia’s counter-terrorism arrangements with Government agencies, as well as the business sector. 

Some of the more high-profile exercises have tested responses to the attempted hijacking of aircraft, and attacks on Sydney Harbour and the city’s rail network.
Mr Ruddock said the funding would support the continuation of the exercise program and would serve to further enhance Australia’s counter-terrorism plans and procedures ahead of APEC meetings this year.

8 Sixteen Community Partnership projects funded by NCCPP

Sixteen projects will receive more than $6.5 million in the latest round of grants awarded under the National Community Crime Prevention Programme (NCCPP).

Projects receiving funding in the Community Partnership stream (non-SRI) under the National component of NCCPP are:

1. Big hART - $475,000 (NT & SA). The Ngapartji Ngapartji project aims to increase economic and social participation amongst Pitjantjatjara Australians in Alice Springs and across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia. This increased participation from the community is aimed at reducing and preventing crime. The intergenerational indigenous project will focus on language, digital technologies, and enhanced access to national cultural forums, mainstream media, and cross-cultural life-skills mentoring.
2. Big hART - $460,800 (NSW). The GOLD project aims to prevent crime by young people in Griffith NSW and reduce the incidence of family violence, alcohol and substance abuse in rural communities in the Darling Basin. The project will work with local youth who have left, or are at risk of leaving the education system and becoming involved in crime. It will engage young people in workshops to increase their skills and support re-entry into the education system. It is hoped the project will also empower them to apply their new skills to the development of artistic performances relating to the survival of rural communities.
3. Canning Division of General Practice - $478,520 (WA). The Working with General Practice to Reduce Family Violence project aims to increase the capacity of local medical services within the Perth area to identify incidents of family and domestic violence. The project aims to assist these medical practitioners to deliver appropriate interventions primarily through the provision of information and referrals to specialised local family and domestic violence services.
4. Central Area Region Training Scheme - $130,230 (WA). The FLY - Fresh Learning for Youth project aims to build the communities capacity to educate young people who struggle with the regular education system. Through enhanced opportunities and improved outcomes, the project aims at assisting local youth, who are at risk of experiencing the social problems often related to leaving the mainstream education system. The project will empower young people to return to mainstream learning environments, access employment and manage their own futures.
5. City of Gosnells - $490,280 (WA). The STR8 Talking project aims to develop a sustainable approach to reducing both the incidence, and the fear of, crime and antisocial behaviour in Maddington and Kenwick. The project hopes to achieve this through community engagement, capacity building and the development of positive relationships. The project will engage young people in the design and delivery of innovative educational programmes that promote community safety and well being while directly addressing antisocial behaviour.
6. City of Stirling - $410,760 (WA). The Reel Connections project aims to reduce the level of anti-social behaviour and crime in the Mirrabooka Regional Centre. The project will work to achieve this by disseminating information and providing life-skills training. It will assist young migrants and indigenous youth to understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and improve their personal safety. It will also encourage intercultural understanding among all young residents and visitors.
7. David Wirrpanda Foundation - $410,760 (WA). The Koorlangas and Waji Mungalas project aims reduce crime by increasing the self esteem and life skills of indigenous youth in both the Perth Metropolitan and Pilbara regions. The project will provide leadership and mentoring to equip youth with the skills necessary to enable them to become positive contributors to their community, and lead healthy lives.
8. Glenorchy City Council - $500,000 (TAS). The Chance on Main: Your chance, Make the Choice project aims to prevent and reduce crime by young people in Moonah. The project will work with young offenders and young people at risk of becoming involved in crime by assisting them to develop vocational, personal and educational skills. The project will also work to help local youth address underlying personal issues, identify relevant services, develop a sense of belonging and contribute positively to their community.
9. New School of Arts Neighbourhood House - $143,520 (NSW). The Clarence Valley Street Cruise project is an outreach youth-work initiative aimed at increasing the safety of people who are 'out and about' at night time in the Clarence Valley. The project will provide assistance and support to young people, by providing positive interactions, role modelling, advocacy information and service referral.
10. Offenders’ Aid and Rehabilitation Services NT - $490,000 (NT). The Reintegration of Indigenous Offenders project aims to reduce recidivism and re-offending in selected targeted remote indigenous communities. The project will provide culturally appropriate, intensive one-on-one pre and post release assistance to indigenous offenders. The assistance will be provided by qualified, supported and supervised indigenous workers from local communities, particularly concentrating on the high risk period of 3-6 months after release.
11. Salvation Army (Tas) Property Trust –$365,260 (Tas). The ABOUT FACE project will identify and address the needs of young females, aged 13 - 17 at high risk of offending. The project will focus on a collaborative early intervention approach. The Salvation Army will work in partnership with Police, Youth Justice and Local Schools, and key outputs will include working with the community through a cognitive and life skills program.
12. Song Room - $348,100 (WA). The Community Harmony in Mandurah project will work with children, youth and families to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the Reservoir and Preston area. The project will develop musical and arts-based activities to increase positive family and community engagement, and to develop teamwork, communication, self-esteem, confidence, critical thinking and learning skills.
13. Southern Junction Community Services - $496,000 (SA). The Nexus project aims to reduce crime and improve community safety through coordinated interagency intervention. The project will employ a holistic 'Crisis to Connectedness' model of case-management to address the underlying issues of recidivist young offenders and their families.
14. Southern Junction Community Services - $498,500 (SA). The Turning Point project aims to reduce the incidence and impact of violence and fear in families living in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. The project will target family violence by undertaking intensive case-management with perpetrators and their families, to address underlying issues. Issues include drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and traumatic personal backgrounds.
15. Ted Noffs Foundation - $270,150 (NSW). The Safe Party Squad aims to prevent and reduce illicit drug and alcohol use, and the associated harm, among young people who party on the beaches of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding areas. The project will use a youth focused systems approach, targeting young people, their families and the local community. The project will promote the protective factors that can assist young people.
16. Youth Involvement Council - $487,040 (WA). The Mingle Mob Youth Outreach project aims to reduce criminal and anti-social behaviour among young people in South Hedland. The project will provide outreach through youth workers who will patrol the shopping centre and surrounding streets five nights a week.

The Australian Government has committed $64 million to the NCCPP to provide funding for community-based crime prevention projects in three streams: Community Partnership, Community Safety and Indigenous Community Safety.

Eight million of the total NCCPP funding is provided for initiatives in the Greater Western Sydney region and $6 million of the total NCCPP funding is provided for projects focussing on Security Related Infrastructure activities.

This announcement does not include Community Partnership stream applications made under the Security Related Infrastructure component of the programme. These projects will be announced shortly.

The latest grants round attracted strong interest with almost 400 received from community groups and local government associations from across Australia who responded to the last round of funding for this programme.

For more information on the NCCPP and how to apply for grants, visit www.crimeprevention.gov.au.

9 APEC Public Holiday

The NSW Government has announced details of a public holiday to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit to be held in Sydney in September 2007.

The public holiday on the 7 September 2007 has been declared for the Sydney metropolitan area only, including Penrith, Camden and Campbelltown.

10 North Queensland recovering well from Cyclone Larry

Marking the first anniversary of Cyclone Larry, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd acknowledged the tremendous recovery effort that has helped people in far north Queensland affected by the disaster. "Cyclone Larry had a devastating effect in far north Queensland many homes, businesses and buildings were either damaged or destroyed.  There was substantial disruption to communities, industries and the broader economy," Minister Lloyd said. "While the task of rebuilding still continues, Australians can be truly proud of what has been achieved in the past 12 months," he said. Minister Lloyd said the Australian Government responded quickly and effectively after the cyclone hit. 

The Australian Government developed a specially tailored financial assistance package to help people affected to rebuild their lives, and to support the regions long-term recovery including a range of measures in addition to those normally offered under the Australian Governments Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

"The Australian Government provided a $40 million advance to the Queensland Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and in the year since, over $277 million in Australian Government assistance has been provided including ex-gratia payments, re-establishment of businesses grants, fuel excise relief, wage subsidy assistance and clean-up grants," Minister Lloyd said.

"Under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery arrangements, the Australian Government will reimburse the Queensland Government half of all state expenditure on personal hardship and distress assistance to cyclone victims, such as emergency food, accommodation, clothing and replacement of essential household items.

"The Australian Government will also reimburse up to 75 per cent of other eligible state expenditure, including funds provided to local governments and state departments for the restoration of essential public infrastructure."

11 New Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Station at Hamilton Island Airport

Australia's newest Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting station at Hamilton Island has opened. 

The station will provide a vital, first response to emergencies at the airport ensuring the safety of the hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the island and its resorts each year.  Air services Australia's Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting stations were established when passenger numbers exceed 350,000 meeting existing Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations.

The new fire station was staffed with one senior fire commander, four fire fighters and would maintain two fully operational fire tenders and one offshore rescue craft. The fire station design is innovative and creates a flexible yet functional model sympathetic to Hamilton Island airport requirements.

In the 12 months to December, the Air services Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Group responded to some 6000 incidents at 19 of Australia's busiest airports and, in the process, saved 11 lives. Air services Australia was one of the world's largest providers of Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting services with more that 550 operational staff, 75 fire tenders and 15 water rescue boats.

12 Immigration to commence finger scanning

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has started introduced finger scan technology to join existing facial image capturing equipment as the $50million biometric project gathers momentum.  The finger scans will join facial images already stored in the Identity Services Repository.  Finger scanning technology was recommended by the Palmer Report, which was commissioned after the Cornelia Rau and Vivian Alvarez detentions.

The Migration Act requires the government to disclose how the biometric data collected is used, and people applying to migrate to Australia may refuse collection. However, Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Janette Haughton has said refusal to participate may result in “a different migration outcome”.

In time, the Biometric project will be extended to other areas such as onshore protection-visa sites, offshore refugee and humanitarian processing sites and secondary lines such as airports.  “The goal is to ensure that anyone refused entry to the country would picked up should they try to re-enter using a different identity” Ms Haughton said.

13 Upcoming events

Address by Shadow Minister for Homeland Security

The Hon. Arch Bevis Mp will be speaking on Friday 30 March as part of the 2007 National Security and Defence election series. 
The Australian Homeland Security Research Centre in conjunction with the Australian Defence Business Review and Booz Allen Hamilton presents the 2007 National Security and Defence Election Series.
The first series of presentation are by the Opposition. Over the year there with be a Coalition Series followed by a Multi-Party series.
Where: International Affairs Conference Centre, Level 2, 32 Thesiger Court, Deakin
When: 12:00pm 30 March 2007-03-28

Further information is available here.

Address by Shadow Minister for Defence

The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP will be the second speaker for the 2007 National Security and Defence election series.
The first series of presentation are by the Opposition. Over the year there with be a Coalition Series followed by a Multi-Party series.
Where: International Affairs Conference Centre, Level 2, 32 Thesiger Court, Deakin.
When: 12:00pm 23 April 2007
Further information is available here.

Security Professionals Congress

Essential for those working in the security industry The Security Professionals' Congress 2007 on the 9-10 May 2007will be the nation’s most important forum for Australian security professionals in both the government and private sectors. The Congress will provide:

• Information on the latest trends relevant to your discipline
• An opportunity to influence the future of the security profession
• The forum to build your network of security practitioners through small afternoon workshops

Aimed at security professionals, notably security managers and government advisors, the Congress will consist of morning plenary presentations and afternoon workshops. This format maximizes learning’s, personnel network development and ability to contribute your views and shape the Congress outcomes.

To ensure the Congress makes a difference, it is supported by many of Australia’s leading security, risk and intelligence associations who will build on the consensus outcomes.

The Congress will hear from Australia's security leaders and be attended by many of the nation's senior security, risk and intelligence practitioners. This guarantees that by the end of the Congress you will have considerable practical information which can be applied in your workplace as well as developing a network of people that will allow you to further your knowledge and career.

Further information and registration details can be found at
http://www.securityprofessionals.org.au/

4th Annual Security Summit –Presented by the Security Network

The Security Network (TSN) is pleased to present the 4th annual “The Security Summit”.  The “Most Innovative Security Products Exhibition and Competition” is expected to have over 60 exhibiting companies from Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S.  All entrants into the competition will be reviewed & receive feedback from local, national and international judges including leading members from law enforcement and defence technology assessment centres from 4 countries.

When:  6-7 June 2007
Time: June 6 - 1:00- 4:00 pm Competition (Judges & Exhibitors only) 4:30- 7:30 pm Exhibition open to public, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm Reception.  June 7 - Conference and Exhibitions (all day)
Where: The San Diego Aerospace Museum, Pavilion of Flight, in Balboa Park (California, USA).

More information is available here.

Exercising Business Continuity Plans - A Business Continuity Institute Forum

Panellists: Felicity Lawrence (DEWR), Ben Hickey (Customs) and David Reid (Defence CoDO)

Exercising Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) is critical to safeguarding your organisation - if you have not tested your plan, you do not have a plan! The Forum will discuss the various ways in which BCPs can be exercised including defining the pros and cons of each approach. This will be followed by a panel of key ACT-based business continuity professionals sharing their thoughts on aspects of exercising plans. There will be time for questions and open discussion. Come along to this FREE forum and share experiences with your peers in this rapidly growing business discipline.

When: Monday 7 May 2007.  2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m
Where: DEWR, 1 Mort Street, Canberra City
Information: here

Securing Australia and the role of Border Protection Command

USI of the ACT has scheduled a talk by Rear Admiral James Goldrick AM CSC RAN, Commander Border Protection Command on “Securing Australia and the role of Border Protection Command”.

When: 5.30pm on Wednesday 18 April
Where: Russell Offices R-1 ground floor theatrette, Canberra.

The Future Australian Defence Force-Learning From The Past, Planning For The Future'

In conjunction with the Australian Defence College (ADC), the Royal United Services Institute of Australia (RUSI) will hold a major international seminar in Canberra, ACT, Australia on Tuesday 15 May and Wednesday 16 May 2007.

Since 11 September 2001, the use of military force in assisting in countering transnational crime as well as terrorist threats has become a significant element of national security strategies.

While military power remains the ultimate means of preserving national sovereignty and protecting national interests, the effective combating of terrorism and other non-state based threats requires a whole-of-government response and cooperation between governments.

Several significant issues flow from this observation, and the seminar will focus on the following questions:

What are the trends in international security over the next 20 years?
What are the lessons learnt from contemporary operations?
What are the transformational requirements to meet emerging trends?
What is the Australian Defence Force's capacity and capability to contribute to any national response (or national contribution to a multi-national response)?
What are the likely civil/military responses?
What is the Australian Defence Force's potential contribution to any national response?

When: 15 May and 16 May 2007
Where: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Campbell ACT.

Information here.

Law and Liberty in the War on Terror

This symposium will focus on the challenges that responding to the threat of terrorism presents to the rule of law. Since 11 September 2001, governments across the world have developed a range of new laws as a key component of their efforts to combat terrorism. This symposium will bring together experts from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States to provide in-depth analysis of these laws and debate the complex issues raised by them, such as torture, freedom of speech and detention without trial.

The symposium will be addressed by leading practitioners, government lawyers, politicians, journalists, judges, and legal, political science and media academics. The speakers participating include Mr Waleed Aly, Mr Philip Boulten SC, The Hon Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE, Mr Robert Cornall, Dr Stephen Donaghue, Dr Tanja Dreher, Professor David Dyzenhaus, Dr Katharine Gelber, Professor Andrew Goldsmith, Professor Sarah Joseph, The Hon Duncan Kerr SC MP, Professor Christopher Kutz, Mr Lex Lasry QC, Mr Geoff McDonald, Senator Marise Payne, Dr James Renwick, Professor Kent Roach, The Hon Philip Ruddock MP, Ms Leigh Sales, Dr Ben Saul, Professor Adrienne Stone, Professor Brian Z Tamanaha, Professor Clive Walker, and Justice Margaret White

When: 4, 5 and 6 July 2007
Where: University of New South Wales, Sydney.

Information here.

.RMIA events

14 Submissions being sought

Australian Crime Commission Committee is seeking submissions for a paper on the “Future Impact of Serious and Organised Crime on Australian Society”.
See http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/acc_ctte for more information or email acc.committee@apg.gov.au.

15 Public Hearings

The Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee is conducting public hearings into Australia’s Regional Strategic Defence Requirements
See http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt for more information or email jscfadt@aph.gov.au.

16 New Reports

Japan, Australia and the changing security order in Asia

A new report has been released entitled “Japan, Australia and the changing security order in Asia” by Rod Lyon at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The conclusion of the Australia–Japan security pact confirms the Asian security order is moving into a new phase.  Although the pact is limited in its scope, it heralds an age when Asian great powers will be more engaged in the regional security architecture, both as players in their own right and as ‘partners’ to other regional countries. 

The report can be downloaded from here.

Nuclear Proliferation Threat to Securing Australia’s Future

A new paper – ‘Australia and the future of nuclear deterrence’ – by Robyn Lim from the Centre for International Studies (CIS) has raised questions about Australia’s dependence on the US for extended nuclear deterrence, and discusses the need to keep our uranium enrichment options open. According to Lim, “a nuclear threat could come to Australia from or through Indonesia, even though its roots would be in the disturbance of the distant balance of power in Northeast Asia—principally among China, Japan and the US.

Indonesia, the largest and most important of the Southeast Asian states, is now confronted by a ‘rising’ China and a ‘rising’ India. Both these nuclear-armed great powers are manifesting strategic ambition. Indonesia, unlike Australia, cannot rely on a great power for nuclear protection. What would it take for Indonesia to decide it needed nuclear weapons? How would Australia respond?”

Further information can be found here.

Responding to radical Islamist ideology: The case of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia

A new report has been released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on the presence of Hizb-ut-Tahrir in Australia.  The January 2007 Sydney conference that Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT, the Party of Liberation) organised raises dilemmas that have a long history in liberal democracies. 

HT encourages indirectly, and sometimes more directly, political violence by its inciting propaganda. It uses Australian tolerance to promote radical propaganda, even against Australia itself.  This paper, authored by Anthony Bergin and Jacob Townsend, argues that HT’s proselytising remains to date on the acceptable side of anti-terrorism and sedition legislation. A ban on HT is not yet justified. But this group warrants intensive monitoring.

The report can be downloaded from here.