Canberra Vow to Boost Terror Fight

Nov 16, 2004
CNN

CANBERRA, Australia -- Australia's newly re-elected government has pledged to boost its anti-terror capabilities, strengthen links with its regional neighbors and continue to reform the country's booming economy.

The conservative coalition government of Prime Minister John Howard delivered its key agenda points for its fourth consecutive term of power at the opening of the 41st Australian parliament on Tuesday.

"Australia continues to face a challenging international and regional security environment," the government said in a speech delivered by Australia's titular head of state, Governor General Michael Jeffery.

"The government will maintain a strong stand against international terrorism and the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It will also respond to the adverse impact that failing states have on our national security."

Jeffery said the government intended to keep a controversial election promise to create six Australian police "flying squads" for quick deployment across borders to "disrupt terrorist networks."

Canberra also will create a counterterrorism and intelligence training school for Southeast Asian and Pacific countries.

"The Australian government places high priority on strengthening cooperation with our regional neighbors and offering assistance in capacity building in the fight against terrorism," Jeffrey said.

"The government will maintain a strong stand against international terrorism and the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

Howard's re-election campaign was marred by a terror bombing of Australia's embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.

No Australians were killed, but nine Indonesians died in the explosion, which was regarded as the first terror attack directly aimed at an Australian target.

Howard's government, a steadfast supporter of the Bush administration and member of the "coalition of the willing", will also maintain its troop presence in Iraq for "as long as they are needed".

"Sustaining Australia's high standing and strong alliance with the United States is a key priority," Jeffery said.

"The government is committed to deepening ties with North Asia -- building on mature links with Japan, expanding ties with China and continuing support for peaceful outcomes on the Korean Peninsula."

The government also planned to strengthen cooperation with the new Indonesian administration headed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and expand ties with other regional neighbors.

Economic reform is also high on the Howard agenda, particularly in the area of industrial relations.

"In its fourth term, the government will accelerate the reform of workplace relations as a means of raising productivity and Australian living standards," Jeffrey said.

"Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that small businesses, the engine-room of our economic success, are encouraged by greater workplace flexibility to employ more staff."

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/11/16/australia.agenda/index.html