Improving Defence Security

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon. John Moore, MP Minister for Defence

Thursday, 21 September 2000 MIN264/00

Improving Defence Security

The Minister for Defence, John Moore, today said that new security measures and procedures announced by the Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, AM QC, are an important first step to improving the security of classified information in the Department of Defence and its intelligence agencies.

The measures were recommended by the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security, with the aim of further improving security in Commonwealth Departments and Australia's six intelligence agencies, which include the Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO), Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) and Australian Imagery Organisation (AIO).

"Defence has been accelerating the implementation of a number of the recommendations, in particular the more stringent vetting of staff through psychological testing and strengthened security procedures including random bag searches," Mr Moore said.

In addition to implementing the whole-of-government measures outlined by the Attorney General, Defence will undergo a separate, comprehensive review of security throughout the Department.

"Poor security practice undermines the professionalism of Defence. It can compromise our effectiveness and capability. Recent security problems have highlighted the need for reform, and this review will address the appropriate mix of resources and capability required to deliver secure Defence outcomes," said Mr Moore.

The Secretary of the Department of Defence, Dr Allan Hawke, has commissioned Mr Tony Blunn, former Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, to undertake the Defence Department review.

ENDS

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