The fifth Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security meeting was held in Canberra today. The group met to discuss national security issues that affect business, with a focus on business resilience.
The meeting:
- agreed that terrorism remains a significant and enduring threat to the safety of all Australians and to our social and economic well-being
- resolved to continue the business-government partnership to strengthen Australia’s national security and ensure a safe and secure environment for the Australian community
- received an update on the current security environment from Director-General of ASIO, Mr Paul O’Sullivan and Commissioner Mick Keelty from the Australian Federal Police
- received a comprehensive briefing by Mr Ric Smith on the Homeland Security and Border review and noted that Mr Smith had already consulted with a cross-section of the business community on issues of importance to industry
- discussed whether promoting the concept of organisational resilience would assist in increasing Australia’s ability to withstand future shocks
- received a briefing from Mr Andrew Tongue, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, on the establishment of a forum within the Trusted Information Sharing Network which will bring together industry stakeholders and government agencies to consult on the security of Australia’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
The meeting also:
- agreed there is a need for greater awareness of security issues by the Boards of Australian companies.
