CT White Paper opens doors
by Graeme Mickelberg
In the wake of the release of the new Counter-Terrorism White Paper, Graeme Mickelberg looks at the potential opportunities for Australian businesses.
The recently-released Counter-Terrorism White Paper provides an insight into the potential exposure Australia may have to the threat of terrorism and associated risks. The White Paper also addresses Government priorities and initiatives being put in place to protect Australia from terrorism. Some of these initiatives may provide potential business opportunities.
The White Paper is essentially a strategic overview rather than an operational insight into how the Government actually intends to combat terrorism. There are, however, some key themes which may provide opportunities for Australian businesses to contribute to countering terrorism by adding value to strategies and tactics that key stakeholders are intent on implementing.
Aviation security continues to be a high priority and the Government has allocated $200 million over four years to introduce the following technologies and other measures to enhance security at international gateways and regional airports:
- body scanners at international gateway airports;
- next-generation multi-view X-ray machines;
- bottle scanners capable of detecting liquid-based explosives;
- X-ray screening, and increased explosive trace detection technology for air cargo;
- aviation security screening programs at more regional airports;
- a 50 per cent increase in the number of firearms and explosives detector dogs at international airports; and
- expansion of the Last Ports of Call program to improve the security of international flights travelling to Australia.
The provision of these technologies is most likely to be limited to businesses that specialise in manufacturing and supplying such technology. However, the operation of these new technologies may be undertaken by Australian security providers as part of existing and/or new service contracts.
A complementary border security initiative to those measures proposed for aviation security involves the introduction of a biometric visa system to further enhance the vetting of people applying for visas to enter Australia.
The Government has allocated $69 million for this initiative.
The White Paper also addresses measures to protect critical infrastructure via the Critical Infrastructure Protection Program, which, in addition to facilitating the protection of infrastructure, also seeks to foster resilience to ensure that infrastructure can continue to operate.
This program will depend on industry cooperation and the involvement of State and Territory Governments, many of whom own and/or operate critical infrastructure, including power stations, water supplies, rail links and ports.
The implementation of this program will require the support of a range of businesses, some of whom are already involved in providing security services to the owners and operators of critical infrastructure.
The Government has also given emphasis to cyber security as part of its overall strategy to protect critical infrastructure. This initiative, which is being undertaken in cooperation with the private sector, particularly with stakeholders from the banking and finance, telecommunications and utilities sectors, will require support from specialist software businesses, including a number of innovative Australian businesses that are involved in the development of cyber-security programs.
The White Paper addresses the National Security Science and Innovation Strategy (NSSIS) which is intended to harness science and innovation as part of an integrated approach to national security. This will be facilitated by using the expertise and capabilities available within Australian government agencies, universities and businesses.
The commitments made by the Government to countering terrorism provide opportunities for Australian businesses not only in the context of commercial benefit but also to add value to strategies designed to protect Australia.