New security plan
in safe hands

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is to drive the implementation of a new National Security Strategy to provide a blueprint for Australia’s security over the next decade.
   Under guidance from the National Security Adviser, the Department will see the strategy adopted by ensuring the Defence Force, police, diplomats, border protection personnel and intelligence agencies worked together cohesively providing a sharp focus across government.
   Prime Minister, Julia Gillard said by complementing the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, the National Security Strategy would ensure Australia took advantage of the opportunities of the Asian Century whilst focussing national security efforts on the risks and challenges that came with change in the region.
PM&C to drive national strategy
   “It is critical we continue to review and update our priorities and policies as the national security environment evolves with the rise of Asia,” Ms Gillard said.
   She said the Strategy would guide the country’s response to risks and help to identify the main challenges and threats to national security including instability in the region; conflict and coercion affecting national interests; malicious cyber activity; terrorism; espionage; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and serious and organised crime.
   She said three specific areas had been identified where the government would be dedicating increased effort over the next five years.
   “First, effective partnerships,” Ms Gillard said.
   “In an increasingly complex and interconnected strategic environment, we can only succeed by working smart and by working together.”
   She said the second was cyber security.
   “Australia is an attractive target for a range of malicious cyber actors, from politically-motivated hackers and criminal networks to nation-states,” she said.
   “Malicious cyber activity will likely be with us for many decades to come, so we must be prepared for a long, persistent fight.”
   The Prime Minister said nothing better characterised the National Security Strategy than the third focus area: enhanced regional engagement.
   “This acknowledges the shift in the global strategic and economic centre-of-gravity to our region and the need for security as the indispensible foundation of prosperity,” she said.
   The National Security Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
Edition 345F, 25 January 2013
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