Senator Russell Trood has commended the work of combined security agencies in foiling a suicide mission on Australian soil and has again urged Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to release the Counter-Terrorism White Paper he promised more than a year ago.
The Senator said that today’s arrest of five people suspected of plotting a terrorist attack in Australia underscore the pressing need for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to release the document and to reassure Australians that the Government is focussed on protecting its citizens here and abroad.
The Prime Minister commissioned the White Paper after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last November, and announced its ‘upcoming release’ last December. However, there is still no sign of the White Paper. Senator Trood understands that the work on the document has barely begun.
“Kevin Rudd assures Australians that they should be confident about Australia’s efforts and capacity to combat terrorism. Certainly, the work of combined security agencies in uncovering the plot is impressive and deserves to be commended. However, while it is clear that our agencies have their finger on the pulse of managing terrorist threats, it is worth asking – does Kevin Rudd?”
The Senator said that the Government must stop acting as if a careful, effective and well-resourced campaign to counter regional terrorism will miraculously by itself.
“A Counter-Terrorism White Paper would be crucial in outlining what, if anything, is informing the Rudd Government’s counter-terrorism policy.
“It is worrying to think that almost two years since it was elected, this Labor Government’s foreign policy is still premised on a national security architecture that is not designed to deal with such an enormous and complex problem.
“This is a very dangerous and irresponsible approach to what Kevin Rudd acknowledges to be a significant threat.”
Senator Trood also questioned Mr. Rudd’s policy priorities, in observing that the Labor Government is intending to rush its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme through Parliament, but taking its time with developing a counter-terrorism plan.
“CPRS is a highly contentious piece of legislation for many Australians, but there is little disagreement about the importance of containing terrorism. Yet the progress on the White Paper could not be slower. In light of last month’s bombings in Jakarta and today’s revelations of a plot to target our soldiers on our soil, where are the Prime Minister’s priorities?”
-Ends-
Media Contact: Anastasia Glushko Mob: 0406 156 730