Prime Minister Julia Gillard has released the government’s National Security Strategy.
In a speech at the Australian National University, Gillard said the strategy “highlights the dramatic economic and strategic shift towards the Asia-Pacific region and provides a blueprint for national security over the next decade”.
- Listen to former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans introduce Gillard (5m)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
- Listen to Gillard’s speech
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
- Download: Strong and Secure: A Strategy for Australia’s National Security (PDF)
Gillard said, “we are transitioning from one decade, the decade of 9/11, to a post 9/11 era where some risks and challenges endure and others are evolving rapidly.”
The National Security document says the key national security risks faced by Australia are:
- Espionage and foreign interference
- Instability in developing and fragile states
- Malicious cyber activity
- Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
- Serious and organised crime
- State-based conflict or coercion significantly affecting Australia’s industries
- Terrorism and violent extremism
Media release from Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
A Strategy for Australia’s National Security
Australia’s first National Security Strategy highlights the dramatic economic and strategic shift towards the Asia-Pacific region and provides a blueprint for national security over the next decade.
Complementing the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, the National Security Strategy will ensure Australia takes advantage of the opportunities of the Asian Century whilst focussing national security efforts on the risks and challenges that come with change in the region. [Read more…]
