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| Down Under |
| Australia to fast-track new border-control technology |
| 2007-07-08 |
| AUSTRALIAN links to the doctors terror plot in Britain have prompted the Howard Government to fast-track new border-control technology ahead of September's meeting of APEC leaders in Sydney - the biggest security challenge in the nation's history. The new software will link ASIO, Immigration and Customs, strengthening background checks on foreigners wanting to come to Australia. The system, which will provide closer scrutiny of personal details of all travellers to Australia, was already planned. But its introduction is being accelerated to ensure it is in place in time for the meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum leaders including US President George W.Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Counter-terrorism concerns, including the recent failed London and Glasgow bombings, together with the huge security focus on APEC, were the key factors in the decision to fast-track the new system. The boost to border security also came as the Government warned Australians to stay away from Indonesia, including Bali, amid intelligence that terrorists were planning attacks there. "We have seen in the past two weeks - without making any judgments as to the guilt or innocence of any particular individuals - the global reach and potential of terrorism," John Howard said yesterday. "The notion that one can pick and choose as to where you fight and deal with terrorism is an outdated 20th-century notion which ignores the phenomenon and reality of a globalised world and the sophisticated communication techniques which are available to those who would seek to do harm to us." The Prime Minister said the new investment, expected to cost more than $50 million, would enable ASIO and the Immigration Department to integrate separate databases on visa applicants and extend routine screening to include analysis of visitors' behavioural patterns, travel movements and financial details. ASIO carried out more than 53,000 visa security assessments last year, denying 12 people entry to the country. Concerns were raised last week about the level of scrutiny faced by professional visa applicants, following the detention for questioning over the foiled terror plots in Britain of a foreign doctor working in Queensland on a temporary work visa. Indian-trained Mohamed Haneef, who was detained last Monday night at Brisbane International Airport trying to leave Australia on a one-way ticket, will be questioned by the Australian Federal Police again tonight. Mr Howard said yesterday that development of the new border-protection system had been under way since late last year but that he had "accelerated" its introduction - bringing it forward from October to September - following the revelations of the Australian links to the foiled British terror plot. |
| Posted by:Oztralian |