Australia’s National Security Apparatus Ms Vikki Templeman Director Strategic Assessments and Long Range Planning

Introduction The view from Australia The threat - what is security? Our national strategy –Preparedness –Prevention –Response The future

Australia’s centre of gravity Population –20 million in a region of 3 billion –Concentrated in South Eastern corner of the 6th largest nation –‘Responsible’ for 1/10th of the world’s surface Environment –Unique flora and fauna –Livestock and agriculture Trade –Interdependence with regional economies –Value and routing of trade Infrastructure –Nodal structure concentrated around hub and spoke model –Vulnerable single points of failure Armed Forces – regular Service personnel, reserves –Military capabilities

The threat Terrorism –global –regional Proliferation of WMD State stability –South East Asia –Pacific Island Countries

Terrorism Terrorism is NOT new - long been a tactic of the weak against the strong Three new characteristics –radical and ideological cause –desire to cause mass casualties –traditional support network and global outlook Many attacks since 9/11 have demonstrated the resolve of these new terrorist entities

Terrorism in the region The threat of terrorism is global in nature and is enduring Attacks of 11 September 2001 introduced new uncertainties to the security environment (Bali, Madrid, Jakarta…) Australia is a potential target

WMD WMD ultimate catastrophic threat Strategic consequences of proliferation profound Layered response: –economic –international –domestic

State Stability South East Asia: –diverse internal and transnational problems –these challenges leave our neighbours vulnerable and are of concern to Australia Pacific Island Countries: –economic, social and political problems –national development problems –limited capacity for governance

Our National Strategy Security is key priority of government Whole-of-nation focus Key areas: –increased international and regional engagement –national coordination arrangements –domestic security measures –involvement of business and community

Engagement Strengthening relationships: –importance of US alliance –committed to bilateral activities in Asia-Pacific (CT MOUs with 11 near neighbours) Practical results: –operational cooperation (AFP) –coalition/UN operations (ADF) –sharing our experience and training

National Coordination Importance of leadership from the centre Strategic and operational initiatives: –role of National Security Committee: National Counter Terrorism Committee –improving policy and planning –expanding federal/state links –expanding national CT exercise program –increasing role of business

Domestic Security Primacy of situational awareness and coordination - establishment of National Threat Assessment Centre and others Protection of Critical Infrastructure - risk identification and mitigation, bio-security, iconic structures, economic base Transport security (maritime/land/air) Border security (civil and military tasks)

Domestic Security con’t Joint Offshore Protection Command Special Operations Command Significant increase in response capabilities: –Emergency Management Australia –Tactical Assault Groups (West and East) –Incident Response Regiment

The Future? No end in sight for threat of terrorism - need to be constantly prepared Transnational issues continue to feature in the security environment - connection between terrorism and crime Traditional geo-political tensions also remain Australia’s security is contingent upon regional and international security

Conclusion National security is a priority for Government Australia takes a whole-of-nation approach (multi-agency/multi-level) Questions!?