National cooperation to counter terrorism and crime as we emerge from the pandemic

A national meeting of Australian Ministers with responsibility for policing, law enforcement and counter terrorism will occur later today, to enhance cooperation and keep Australians safe as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chaired by Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews the forum will present an opportunity for national collaboration to counter terrorism and serious…

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Critical infrastructure reforms to protect the essential infrastructure we all rely on

The Morrison Government has today introduced amendments to urgently protect Australia’s critical infrastructure in the event of a major cyber-attack. Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the amendments to the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 would ensure the most urgent reforms could be made while the Government continues to consider other recommendations…

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JOINT RELEASE – TICKET TO SAFE TRAVEL OVERSEAS

Australians are another step closer to safe overseas travel with the introduction of the Australian Government’s International COVID-19 proof of vaccination. From tomorrow, 19 October 2021, Australians and Australian visa holders who have a valid passport and their COVID-19 vaccination recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) can obtain an International COVID-19 proof of vaccination.…

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NEW PROGRAM TO FUND RESEARCH INTO ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The national Indigenous Justice Research Program (IJRP) has been established today as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The IJRP will fund academic research relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander criminal justice and aim to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in…

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New plan to protect Australians against ransomware

The Morrison Government is taking action to protect the community and economy from ransomware attacks, announcing new criminal offences, tougher penalties and a mandatory reporting regime as part of a new and comprehensive Ransomware Action Plan. Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure across Australia will be better protected as…

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New agreement to secure our region from maritime people smuggling

The Australian and Nauruan Governments have today signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an enduring regional processing capability in Nauru. Regional processing is a key pillar of the Australian Government’s strong border protection policies. Under Operation Sovereign Borders, people who attempt to travel to Australia illegally by boat are turned back, or transferred to…

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NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO SUPPORT REOPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER

The Morrison Government has taken the next step in preparation for reopening Australia to international travel at scale, with the appointment of Accenture to deliver the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD). The DPD will replace the physical incoming passenger card and the COVID-19 Australian Travel Declaration web form, capturing essential information including passengers’ vaccination status up…

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PASSAGE OF THE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2021

The Parliament has today passed legislation that will ensure our national security agencies continue to have the powers they need to combat current and emerging threats to national security. The Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (the Richardson Review) made clear that the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (TIA…

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