Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism

Since the Summit on Counter Terrorism and Multi-jurisdictional Crime in 2002, South Australia has worked with the Federal, State and Territory Governments to improve the safety and security of Australians at home and abroad.

As a result, the Council of Australian Government (COAG) signed an Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter Terrorism on 24 October 2004; this updates counter-terrorist arrangements introduced after the Sydney Hilton Bombings in 1978.

The new agreement includes new joint arrangements, including:

• Better coordination between Federal and State agencies in the case of a terrorist attack
• A new counter terrorism plan
• Better sharing of intelligence
• Formation of a National Counter Terrorism Committee.

The agreement clarifies Federal responsibilities in situations involving Federal targets, threats against civil aviation, and those involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear targets.

While responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government, many of the resources deployed in a terrorist emergency, such as police, medical, and fire fighting, are State controlled. In recognition of its responsibilities, the South Australian Government continues to increase its commitment to counter-terrorism and improve the State's capacity to respond to disasters.

During 2002-2004 the SA Government allocated over $3 million to fund:

• New state disaster equipment, protective suits and weapons
• A State of the Art bomb disposal robot
• A mobile intelligence command vehicle
• A mobile tactical command vehicle for STAR operations use during high risk incidents
• Establishment of a State Protective Security Branch.