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COUNTER-TERRORISM WHITE PAPER
Securing Australia | Protecting Our Community

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Chapter 8: Conclusion

Terrorism has become a persistent and permanent feature of Australia’s security environment. The Government’s responsibility is to task intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies to direct their counter-terrorism efforts to analyse the threat, to seek to protect Australia and Australians, to be ready to respond to threats and attacks when needed, and to make efforts to strengthen resilience in our community and society.

Government efforts on counter-terrorism increased after the attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001. There has been bipartisan support for strong counter-terrorism policies and this remains the case.

Since 2007 the Government has reformed the national security apparatus to focus agencies on working in unison for the country’s security.

Most recently, the Government has announced a $200 million package of aviation security measures to better protect our air transport system from terrorist attack. In this White Paper, there are new measures including the investment of $69 million to introduce biometric-based visa systems to reduce the risk of terrorists, criminals and other persons of concern entering Australia undetected. A new Counter-Terrorism Control Centre will be established that will improve the ability of agencies to operate against terrorism and to detect and prevent terrorist threats.

To build greater depth in national security expertise in Australia for the long term, the Government has announced the establishment of the National Security College to provide world class education and training in national security policy. A joint venture between the Australian Government and the Australian National University (ANU), the College will provide executive development programs for senior national security officials and provide access to ANU teaching and research programs, with the aim of better preparing national security personnel for the increasingly complex challenges they face.

The Government remains committed to efforts that enhance the integration and coordination of Australia’s national security systems. We will continue to manage the range of security challenges we confront in a flexible and adaptive way. This approach serves our objective to take all necessary and practical measures to protect Australia and Australians at home and abroad.

Glossary of terms

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