Australian PM outlines national security plans
![Duncan Lewis, who was the inaugural commander of the Australian Special Forces Command, has been appointed its first national security adviser. [AAP]](http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200812/r320648_1428462.jpg "Duncan Lewis, who was the inaugural commander of the Australian Special Forces Command, has been appointed its first national security adviser. [AAP]")
PHOTO
Duncan Lewis, who was the inaugural commander of the Australian Special Forces Command, has been appointed its first national security adviser. [AAP]
Last Updated:
Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has made a first national security statement to parliament, which he says will shape the government's long-term strategic policy.
The statement confirms that the government will not set up a department of homeland security, as it had promised before last year's election.
It also reiterates the importance of the United States alliance, and the government's intention is to pursue a more active role in the United Nations.
Mr Rudd has also appointed a former special forces commander, Duncan Lewis, as the government's national security adviser.
He says the government intends to make a regular national security statement to parliament.
"While our national security interests remain constant, Australia needs a new concept of national security capable of embracing and responding to the more complex and interconnected operating environment that we will face for the future," he said.
The opposition leader, Malcolm Turnbull, has endorsed the government's dumping of a department of homeland security.
"It was a very poorly conceived idea, a cheap copy of an American experiment," he said.
"It was crafted more to capture campaign headlines than as a serious public policy reform."
Mr Turnbull has also criticised the government for not acting quicker to release a white paper on terrorism.
Alliances to remain strong
In his address to parliament, Prime Minister Rudd said the stability of the Asia-Pacific region depends on a strong US presence.
He says it is the dawn of the Asia-Pacific century, which has the potential to change the global balance of power.
Mr Rudd told parliament that apart from the US, Australia has to maintain its close ties with New Zealand.
"Australia will continue to cooperate closely with New Zealand in the continuing security challenges faced by the island states of the south west Pacific," he said.
   |
   |
Features
News programs on Australia Network
News programs on Radio Australia
 
|
