Increased funding for national security priorities
The Government continues to refine its national security strategy, to ensure the appropriate range of capabilities. In the National Security — Preventing Terrorism package, additional resources will strengthen Australia's intelligence services, enhance airport and air transport security and build regional cooperation.
Strengthening intelligence
Our ability to identify and respond to emerging threats is founded on good intelligence. The Government has been steadily building the resources and capabilities of Australia's intelligence agencies.
This budget provides a further $802 million over the five years to 2009‑10 to strengthen Australia's intelligence capabilities. Measures include additional staff and technical capabilities for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). A new central office will be provided for ASIO. The Government is also providing funding for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, and to improve the intelligence capabilities of the Australian Federal Police.
Airport and air transport security
The National Security — Preventing Terrorism package provides a
further significant response to the Wheeler Report into airport security and policing. This budget provides $644 million for further initiatives, including for terrorism response and air cargo security. It also includes $355 million to improve community policing at major Australian airports. In total, the Government has committed $886 million in response to the Wheeler Report.
Regional cooperation
The Government is also working with our neighbours to combat the threat of terrorism. See Enhancing international engagement at page 25.
$8.1 billion of additional spending on national security over nine years from 2001‑02
14 2006‑07 Budget Overview