On behalf of the Government of Australia, I wish to extend my - PDF document

PRESENTATION BY AUSTRALIA - ARF INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING ON COUNTER-TERRORISM AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIME KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA 29-31 MAY 2010 Introduction  On behalf of the Government of Australia, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to both Malaysia and Japan for co-hosting this meeting and for the excellent arrangements that have been put in place  Australia warmly welcomes the opportunity to participate in this event.  In recent years, the Asia-Pacific region’s security environment has been, and continues to be, characterised by a complex and dynamic mix of existing and emerging challenges - both traditional and non-traditional.  From our perspective, regional engagement on these challenges is crucial, given that Australia’s security is inextricably linked to the security of our region. Counter-Terrorism  In the area of counter-terrorism, Australia pursues a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy.  A key element of this approach has been our work in building practical partnerships with our neighbours  In addition to engaging multilaterally on CT issues in key fora such as the ARF, ASEAN, APEC and the UN, Australia has signed bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a number of ARF members  these MOUs provide a framework for CT cooperation covering a broad range of areas  including law enforcement cooperation and countering the financing of terrorism.  In Australia’s immediate region, proponents of terrorism have been significantly disrupted by law enforcement and other CT efforts  we applaud recent CT successes by Indonesian law enforcement authorities in disrupting terrorist networks in Sumatra and Java.  The demise of Osama bin Laden represents a significant development in international CT efforts.  However, we do not underestimate the potential for AQ to regenerate whether in South East Asia, South Asia or elsewhere  elements of the al-Qa’eda network continue to pose a major threat to Australia and the international community more broadly  in particular, concerns remain that Yemen and Somalia have become a source of training, planning and operations for AQ-linked terrorists. Transnational Crime 1

 As the Malaysian co-chair has stated, the nexus between counter- terrorism and transnational crime cannot be ignored.  On transnational crime, Australia is committed to combating it in the ARF region in all its forms  we encourage universal adoption of the international instruments that form the framework for combating transnational crime and the use of these instruments as the basis for streamlined and effective international legal cooperation  The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime UNTOC) and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Cyber security On cyber security, Australia is committed to maintaining a secure, resilient and trusted electronic operating environment that supports stability and security, while maximizing the benefits of the digital economy.  The borderless nature of the internet requires effective, coordinated international action to combat cyber threats.  We welcome the steps taken so far in implementing the 2006 ARF Statement on Cooperation in Fighting Cyber Attack and Terrorist Misuse of Cyber Space and are keen to work with you to maintain and build momentum in this area  Including discussing proposals for future cyber security activities in upcoming sessions of this meeting. Illicit Narcotics  On illicit narcotics, Australia will continue to encourage universal adoption of international instruments relating to the control of illicit drugs.  Australia was pleased to undertake early work in this field, including through the ARF Ministerial Statement on Preventing Precursors to Illicit Drugs , which was adopted by ARF Ministers in 2008.  We welcome the outcomes of Australia’s consultations during the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime and Counter- Terrorism in October last year in relation to enhancing cooperation to combat illicit narcotics  Australia is giving serious consideration to the proposal for engaging directly with the ASEAN SOM on Drugs through the Australian Federal Police. People Smuggling  Australia remains firmly committed to combating people smuggling in cooperation with regional partners, particularly through the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Transnational Related Crime. 2

 In March, Ministers at the 4 th Bali Process Ministerial Conference, co- chaired by Indonesia and Australia, endorsed a regional cooperation framework (RCF)  this was a clear recognition by Bali Process members of the need to respond to an enduring and complex regional and global challenge  it lays the foundation for the implementation of practical bilateral or other sub-regional arrangements that will contribute to a sustainable regional response.  On 7 May, Australia and Malaysia announced their commitment to a transfer arrangement under the RCF which aims to break the business model of people smugglers  by removing the incentive for onwards travel to Australia, and thus the incentive for people to pay people smugglers and risk a perilous journey sadly all too often resulting in death.  Australia is continuing to work closely with Bali Process members on practical arrangements under the RCF.  Human Trafficking  At the Ministerial Conference, Bali Process members also agreed to do more to address trafficking in persons, particularly the protection of victims  With a focus on practical measures and activities aimed at increasing states’ capacity to address trafficking  a technical experts meeting on practical measures to assist and protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and prevent trafficking in persons, and a workshop on protection issues are expected to be held this year.  In 2011, other training and workshops under the Bali Process will focus on visa and document integrity, air and sea port security, and mutual legal assistance and law enforcement. Conclusion  Our collective presence here today highlights that no one country can tackle terrorism and transnational crime issues alone.  Only through a sustained and well-coordinated international collaborative effort - at various levels and involving many different actors - can we succeed in overcoming these challenges.  ARF has performed strongly in contributing to this effort  Australia expects it will continue to serve us well into the future, as we together face the multi-faceted and ever-changing security environment in our region. Thank you. 3