SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 24 June 2010
073/2010
New Bill to enhance security at Defence bases
Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner today introduced a Bill to make
Australian military bases more secure.
The Bill was developed following a Defence review of its protective security
arrangements, after the August 2009 arrest of a number of people allegedly planning
an attack against Holsworthy Army Base.
“This Bill would strengthen the Department of Defence’s ability to deter, detect and
respond to incidents that threaten the security of Defence bases, facilities, assets
and personnel within Australia,” Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner said the Bill acknowledged the contemporary security environment
in Australia, including the threat of terrorism. The Bill only has application within
Australia and will not affect ADF operational activities overseas.
The Bill provides explicit authority for authorised Defence Force members to defend
themselves, or others, from death or serious injury in the event of an attack on
Defence premises. The common law right of all individuals to defend themselves will
continue to apply; as will the various Commonwealth, State and Territory legislative
provisions that provide a defence of self-defence.
The Bill will also provide search and seizure powers to reduce the risk of dangerous
items entering Defence premises - or weapons and classified information being
unlawfully removed - and will strengthen Defence’s ability to detect and deal with
trespassers.
“Security at Defence bases is constantly under review,” Senator Faulkner said.
“It is appropriate that Defence continues to enhance security in response to the
changing nature of security threats.”
“Civil police forces will still have the prime responsibility to respond to security
incidents at Defence premises. But the Bill will give authorised Defence Force
members legal protection when defending themselves or others in the event of an
attack on Defence premises,” Senator Faulkner said.
Defence is also implementing a range of other policy and physical security measures
as a result of the review.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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