Crime fighting and disaster response boosted
by Ernie Davitt, National Affairs Editor, ASM
The Federal Government has allocated a total of $1.39 billion to the Australian Federal Police in 2008-09, including a $400 million package over five years for capacity development as well as regional and overseas deployments.
A total of $42.6 million has also been earmarked to help Australian communities become more resilient to threats and disasters as well as for critical infrastructure protection and disaster mitigation.
The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said a total of $191.9 million has been allocated so an additional 500 Australian Federal Police officers can be sworn in over the next five years to help tackle domestic and transnational crime.
“Pacific countries will be supported with funding of an $80 million package to build better policing strategies.
"Funding of an additional $53.7 million over two years will help develop a more effective and accountable police service for the people of East Timor,” he said.
“The AFP will receive funding of $47.0 million to deploy additional sworn members to assist in capacity building and narcotic roles in Afghanistan.
"Funding of $13.7 million will support the Iraqi Police Service with the training provision for up to 243 Iraqi Police Service members.”
Home Affairs Minister, Bob Debus, said the $191.9 million boost to the AFP would help fight transnational crime, including terrorism, and ‘give the AFP more resources to consolidate its strong position in the 21st Century.’
“The additional officers will help build the AFP’s core investigative capacity to tackle domestic and transnational crime and combat the activities of organised criminal syndicates,” he said.
“They will have a particular emphasis on areas of growing concern such as high tech crime, drug trafficking, major fraud, money-laundering and terrorism.
“The proposal follows a $20 million package over four years of recruitment and retention strategies already provided by the Rudd Government.
“The additional resources will be phased in over five years adding a mix of base level recruits and experienced specialists to ensure the AFP’s ability to match complex criminal activity is maintained.”
The Portfolio Budget Statement for the AFP said one of the key challenges to law enforcement was the ability of criminals to exploit new technology, particularly in cyberspace.
“The AFP has consolidated its technology-related prevention and investigation functions into a new high-tech crime operations portfolio, which will have responsibility for implementing the AFP components of the Australian Government’s Cyber-safety Plan,” it said.
Mr McClelland said the AFP was recognised throughout the world as a highly professional well-trained and modern police service.
“The measures announced today will allow the organisation to build on its well-deserved reputation,” he said.
Home Affairs Minister, Bob Debus, who is directly responsible for the AFP, said the latest moves showed Australia was pulling its weight in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
“Australia’s port security and border protection capabilities will be strengthened by $16 million over the next four years to increase its container examination capacity at four key regional seaports.
"Funding will be provided to assist in the identification and interception of illegal and potentially dangerous goods,” he said.
Mr McClelland said the Rudd Government would also help Australian communities become more resilient to threats and disasters with the provision of $42.6 million for critical infrastructure protection and disaster mitigation.
“Emergency Management Australia’s Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP) will receive $19.2 million in the next 12 months to help States, Territories and local councils prepare for disasters,” he said.
The program provided an excellent opportunity for all levels of government, working in partnership, to reduce the toll that natural disasters wrought on Australian communities.
This NDMP looked beyond disaster response towards cost-effective, evidence-based disaster anticipation and mitigation, Mr Robert McClelland said.
Funding was provided for projects involving structural works to protect against damage such as levees, retarding basins and channel improvements as well as funding permanent fire breaks and disaster warning systems.
Money will also be provided for natural disaster risk management studies and strategies.
“The floods in Queensland and NSW earlier this year were timely reminders of how important it is for governments to invest in mitigation efforts.
"Early preparation not only helps prevent unnecessary damage, but also ensures local communities get back on their feet quickly after a disaster.”
Mr McClelland said Australia’s critical infrastructure is also to be better protected with the Government providing $23.4 million over four years for a cutting-edge Critical Infrastructure Protection Modelling and Analysis (CIPMA) capability.
“The Budget also allocates funding to maintain the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) for Critical Infrastructure Protection,” he said.
CIPMA is a world-leading computer program enabling sophisticated modeling to be undertaken of the consequences of different disasters and threats, to ensure better preparation and more effective responses.
The Government says the Australian community will benefit as essential services such as electricity, gas, water, health and banking become more resilient.
Nearly $25.0 million will also be provided over the next year on a range of existing services that support Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory in areas of personal and community safety, Indigenous legal aid, interpreter services and intelligence services.
Mr McClelland said this demonstrated the Rudd Government’s strong commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians and their communities.
The package includes funding of $17.7 million to enable the continued operation of night patrol services in the 73 communities identified as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, building on earlier initiatives.
“These patrols are effective safety and crime prevention measures for the community.
"They also help reduce contact with the criminal justice system and empower Indigenous people to take charge of their own communities,” Mr Debus said.