• Principles
• Australia's Changing Strategic Environment
• The Challenge of Terrorism
• United Nations (UN) Multilateral System
• The United States
• Comprehensive Engagement in the Asia Pacific Region
• Other Important Bilateral and Regional Relationships
• Australia's Role in Arms Control and Disarmament
• Human Rights in International Relations
• Human Rights
• Environmental Diplomacy
• Development Assistance Responsibilities
• Australia's International Image
• Institutional Foundations of Foreign Policy
• Western Sahara
  • Cyprus
• Strength, Sustainability and Self Reliance in Defence
  • Principles
• Australia's Strategic Interests
• Maintaining a Viable Defence Capability
• Terrorism
• International and Regional Defence Relationships
• The US Alliance
• Pine Gap
• Ballistic Missile Defence
• Defence Relationships in the Asia Pacific Region
• Allied Use of Australian Facilities
• Defence Personnel
• Training
• Occupational Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation
• Military Justice
• Composition of the ADF
• Defence Administration
• Defence Industry and Procurement
• Defence Industry
• Defence Industry Sectoral Plans
• Defence Capability Plan
• Defence Science and Technology
• The Role of Defence in Urban and Regional Development
• Defence Exports
• Defence Corporate Performance
• Security of Australians at Home
• Department of Homeland Security
• Protecting our Borders
• Port and Maritime Security
• Aviation Security
• Mass Urban Transport Security
• Inspector of Transport Security
• Biosecurity
• Protecting Essential Services
• Recovery from Incidents
• Care and Honour for Australian Veterans
  • The Tradition of Care
• Veterans' Needs
• Veterans' Families
• Programs of Income Support
• Disability Compensation
• War Widows
• Health Care
• Commemoration
• Administration

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for protecting Australia's national security. Under Labor, Australia's national security strategy will address both global and regional risks, in the context of our commitment to the international organisations such as the United Nations, our longstanding alliance with the United States and our comprehensive engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. We will address the widening gaps in our defence capability, guided by the principle of Australias self reliance. In the interests of Australia and the global community, we will also step up Australian efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, address climate change and engage more seriously with global efforts to make poverty history.

1. Principles

1. For most of the post-war period, Australian national security policy under successive Labor governments has been constructed on the basis of three fundamental pillars:

   • our membership of the United Nations;
   • our alliance with the United States; and
   • our policy of comprehensive engagement with Asia.

2. This framework has served both the Party and successive Labor governments well. It was Labor, under Curtin, that initiated our alliance with the United States fully a decade before the ANZUS Treaty. It was Labor, under Chifley and Foreign Minister Evatt, that helped form the United Nations as the core of the post-war international order. It was also Labor, under Whitlam, Hawke and Keating, that initiated and advanced Australia's policy of comprehensive engagement with Asia.

3. Labor has a proud tradition of activism in international affairs. We are determined to bring to Australia's foreign policy the conviction and commitment which saw previous Labor governments play critical roles in world events, including the formation of the United Nations, the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishment of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, the banning of chemical weapons and in the development of Australia's vital engagement with the Asia Pacific region.

4. Labor's effective advocacy and appropriately resourced and targeted diplomacy will ensure Australia plays a significant role in regional and global developments in favour of our own interests and the common good. Labor will pursue Australia's national security, economic and human rights interests with vigour and determination at all levels in the international system, globally, regionally and in our bilateral relations with other countries.

5. Labor will make renewing Australia's tradition of creative, middle power diplomacy a priority. While Australia is not a super power, it is nonetheless a significant power with a keen interest in shaping the international strategic order. Labor will practise creative and activist diplomacy by building coalitions with like-minded states to create the political momentum necessary to bring about multilateral diplomatic outcomes in the national interest.

6. Australia's Changing Strategic Environment

6. While Labor's national security policy and foreign policy objectives and values remain constant, the global and regional environment in which we must now operate has been subjected to rapid and recent change. This in turn has created new and significant challenges for Labor policy.

7. Terrorism represents a major factor in Australia's strategic environment which requires a comprehensive policy response at home, in the region through cooperative efforts with regional partners, as well as globally.

8. The emergence of al Qaeda, Jema'ah Islamiyah and related terrorist organisations has profoundly reshaped Australia's strategic environment. The attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States caused the deaths of some 3000 people of 92 nationalities and fundamentally altered Australia's strategic environment. The risk to Australia and Australians posed by al Qaeda and its associates was bought home a year later with the Bali bombings on 12 October 2002 by Jema'ah Islamiyah. The bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on 9 September 2004 and a further bomb attack against tourists in Bali on 1 October 2005 removed any doubt about immediacy of the threat of terrorism in our own region. Since the 11 September 2001 attacks, Australians have also been caught up in terrorist attacks around the world including the London Underground bombings in July 2005. Terrorism continues to represent a significant threat to Australians and Australian interests abroad, particularly, but not exclusively, in South East Asia where al Qaeda and Jema'ah Islamiyah remain active.

9. The 11 September attacks on the US resulted in the invocation of the ANZUS Treaty for the first time since its inception because the attacks constituted an attack on the metropolitan territory of an ally. As a result, Australia became engaged in military conflict in Afghanistan against al Qaeda and the Taliban regime that had provided their operating base. Australia's military engagement in Afghanistan was authorised by UN Security Council Resolutions.

10. Labor believes that Afghanistan continues to be a central priority for Australia's efforts to secure peace and stability and fight global terrorism, including in our region. Many of the key figures in Jema'ah Islamiyah, the organisation responsible for the Bali bombings, including some of those directly involved in the bombings, received terrorist training in Afghanistan.

11. For this reason, Labor believes that the withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan in 2002 in preparation for Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq was a mistake and represents a complete mismanagement of Australia's national security priorities. Labor supports Australian security assistance for Afghanistan.

12. Labor did not support Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq because military action was not authorised by the United Nations Security Council and because a credible case could not be made that the Iraq war represented a legitimate response to the terrorist attacks by al Qaeda on 11 September under the terms of Article 51 of the UN Charter. Labor's position has subsequently been vindicated. None of the objectives given for the war have been met: no weapons of mass destruction were found and the terrorist threat has increased rather than decreased as a result of the invasion. As a result of our involvement in Iraq, Australia is now a greater terrorist target than would have otherwise been the case. Labor has argued consistently that our troops would be better used securing Australia's interests in our own region, not remaining in Iraq indefinitely.

13. Another major shift in Australia's strategic environment has been the growing arc of instability in Australia's immediate neighbourhood. This has been brought home most starkly following the political instability and fragile security situation in Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands which have seen the significant deployments of Australian troops.

14. In Timor Leste, Labor welcomes the establishment of an expanded UN presence and supports Australia's leadership of the international security force following the political crisis of May 2006. Labor believes that Australian troops provide a stabilising presence in Timor Leste and should not be withdrawn prematurely. Under Labor, Australia will respect the sovereignty of Timor Leste and engage in dialogue with its elected leaders and on this basis will be committed to providing support and assistance to Timor Leste for the long-term.
15. Security, stability and peace in the nations of the Pacific are Australia's most immediate foreign policy challenges. Labor has supported the Solomon Islands' request for assistance in restoring law and order to the islands through the establishment of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The Solomon Islands intervention was authorised by the Solomon Islands' Government, supported by the Pacific Islands Forum and a majority of the people of the Solomon Islands. The Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Secretary-General of the United Nations commended the deployment of RAMSI. Labor will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the deployment. Labor will work closely with other governments in the Pacific region and consider any further requests for assistance on their merit. Labor will seek greater involvement of personnel from Pacific island countries in RAMSI's civilian contingent.

16. The nuclear enrichment activities and flouting of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in defiance of UN Security Council resolution by both Iran and North Korea pose a serious threat to the nuclear non-proliferation regime that has prevented the use of nuclear weapons over the past 60 years and are a grave threat to international security. In North East Asia, North Korea has in the past few years declared itself to be a nuclear state, withdrawn from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, ended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, recommenced nuclear reprocessing at the Yongbyon reactor, conducted two sets of missile tests, including medium range and intercontinental range rockets and has conducted a nuclear test. Labor is committed to using its good offices to assist in building improved relations on the Korean Peninsula and maintain stability in North Asia.

17. In the Middle East, a major unintended consequence of the war in Iraq has been the emboldening of Iran. Iran's nuclear enrichment activities, its flouting of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its refusal to submit to IAEA inspections in defiance of the UN Security Council, pose a grave threat to international security. Iran's recent nuclear enrichment activities and the bellicose statements of the Iranian leadership pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the region. Labor supports nuclear disarmament in the Middle East and the use of diplomacy to bring all states back within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime and IAEA safeguards and inspection regime.

18. Labor is convinced that all Australians seek a lasting and equitable solution to the problems that have worked against stability and development in the Middle East. Labor will pursue a sustained Australian engagement in the Arab/Israeli conflict based on the rights of all people in the Middle East to peace and security and livelihood and their desire for better access to land, water and financial assistance than they have had in the past, regardless of their race, religion or origins. Labor believes that urgent attainment of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the best way to reduce violence and conflict across the Middle East.

19. Globalisation, technological advances and increased people-people contact and mobility across international borders have given rise to a whole new category of unconventional security threats. The cross border threats and challenges posed by transnational crime including drug trafficking, environmental disasters, and public health threats such as communicable diseases, including Avian Influenza, are part of Australia's new international security environment.

20. All these factors impact on our current national security and foreign policy environments. Labor's challenge today, as in previous decades, is to apply its continuing policy objectives, values and framework to the new demands of the emerging environment.

21. The Challenge of Terrorism

21. Labor led older generations of Australians in successfully defending Australia as a secure, courageous and democratic nation. Terrorism is nothing new, but its growing presence in our region poses new and complex security challenges. Labor will increase engagement in our region and cooperation with our neighbours—measures that are fundamental to meeting the new security challenges. Labor will ensure that our defence forces, police and emergency services are equipped to meet the new challenges. As always preserving national security, and the security of individuals, is a major Labor priority.

22. Labor's first priority is the defence and security of our nation and its people. However, Labor refuses to manipulate fear or racism for political gain in response to terror. Australia needs tough laws to deal with terrorism but, just as importantly, we need well-balanced laws that target the terrorists, not innocent citizens. We need strong safeguards to protect the civil and human rights that are fundamental to our freedoms.

23. Labor believes that the challenge of terrorism, together with the changing nature of the threat spectrum, requires a reorganisation of Australia's national security policy. In the past, Australia has not had a properly integrated national security policy that addresses the breadth and depth of the new threat spectrum—including terrorism, international organised crime and the narcotics trade. To this end, Labor will establish an Office of National Security under the Prime Minister's portfolio to be headed for the first time by a National Security Advisor at permanent head level. This Office will develop Australia's first fully integrated national security policy.

24. Labor will develop, in partnership with regional governments in South East Asia, a Comprehensive Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Labor argues that a Comprehensive Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategy should be based on five core organising principles:

    • prevention;
    • protection;
    • emergency response management (in the event that terrorist attacks occur);
    • coordinated capacity building across the region; and
    • a ‘hearts and minds' strategy to address the underlying political, economic and societal factors which terrorist groups exploit to their advantage.

25. Labor believes that an effective strategy for combating terrorism must promote justice, the rule of law, genuine peace and inclusive development, as well as confront those factors that make it easier for terrorist organisations to recruit within the region. This raises the question of economic, employment and educational opportunities available to young people across the region, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines. Labor believes this requires an integrated, comprehensive strategy for dealing with a range of the causative factors involved in the terrorism challenge. Cooperation and capacity building for local security forces, including military or security assistance should promote positive outcomes and values in the fight against terrorism.

26. Finally, Labor believes that the global nature and reach of various terrorist organisations will mean that Australia will rely on global intelligence exchange—as well as support for an expanding range of UN multilateral measures designed to combat terrorist financing and explicitly to outlaw defined terrorist organisations.

27. United Nations (UN) Multilateral System

27. Labor's approach to international relations is based on a clear recognition of the fundamental interdependence of the world community. Global economic and social development, human rights, environmental protection and international security can best be achieved through multilateral diplomacy. Through international organisations we can promote the agreements necessary to build a secure twenty-first century based on economic justice and development, respect for human rights, environmental sustainability and peaceful means of resolving conflict.

28. The United Nations is the key forum for cooperation on many issues that affect Australia's interests, including our national security, trade and sustainable development and our humanitarian concerns for welfare and human rights. Agreements reached under the auspices of the UN and its agencies touch on almost all aspects of our national life. Australia must contribute actively and constructively to shape global changes and events through the work of the UN.

29. In the modern age of globalisation, the threats faced by nation states are multifaceted. Some will be classical military threats but they also include a range of new security threats from non-State actors. These include: international crime syndicates trafficking people and narcotics, environmental disasters and communicable diseases such as SARS and Avian Influenza. These new security threats are challenges that are not faced by individual nations alone and can not be solved by individual nations acting alone. International cooperation is the only way to combats such threats. Put simply, global problems require global solutions.

30. Labor is committed to working multilaterally to reform and improve the administrative efficiency, democratic operation and effectiveness of the UN and ensure that it is able to effectively respond to the new international security challenges posed by non-State actors including terrorists, organised crime and environmental disaster. Labor is committed to reforms that enhance the role and standing of the UN as the primary forum for global cooperation and understanding. In this regard, Labor welcomes the work of the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change which has proposed far-reaching reform of the UN.

31. In line with Labor's strong commitment to human rights, Labor will devote particular attention to strengthening and improving the UN's human rights machinery and processes, and supports the recently established UN Human Rights Council.

32. Recognising the significant threats to international security that arise both from longstanding and new conflicts between and within states, Labor supports strengthening the UN's capacity, along with Australia's, in the fields of preventive diplomacy and peace building, peace making, peace keeping and peace enforcement. Labor welcomes the establishment of the UN Peace Building Commission.

33. Labor strongly supports the UN Security Council's adoption of the doctrine of international humanitarian intervention known as ‘The Responsibility to Protect' which was first developed in a 2001 report prepared by the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS). The principle was adopted by the UN Security Council in Resolution 1674 which recognises the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity and provides a firm basis in international law for the international community to step in to intervene to protect civilian populations on humanitarian grounds when, and if, their own governments are unwilling or unable to do so.

34. Consistent with our strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and justice and the doctrine of the responsibility to protect, Labor considers Australia duty bound to assist with the resolution of disputes and conflicts and subsequent rebuilding wherever we can play a positive role consistent with our national interests. Labor also supports the emphasis in the doctrine of the responsibility to protect on the prevention of conflict. Labor believes that Australia should engage vigorously with relevant governments, the UN Security Council, and other UN and regional bodies to ensure that the responsibility to protect doctrine moves from adoption to commitment and consistent implementation.

35. As a middle power with significant experience in peace keeping operations, most recently in Timor Leste, Australia must be prepared to accept peace keeping responsibilities consistent with our national, regional and global security interests.

36. The United States

36. The United States remains our closest security ally and a vital global partner. Labor is firmly committed to maintain and strengthen Australia's close relationship with the United States, a relationship founded on our people's common democratic values and their commitment to fostering international peace and security.

37. Labor believes in the centrality of the alliance to Australia's national security requirements in critical areas such as intelligence on terrorism, defence equipment and broader strategic stabilisation in East Asia, where great power tensions between other regional states remain problematic.

38. Labor does not, however, believe that the alliance equals the totality of Australia's national security requirements as these must also be met in the other two pillars of Labor's approach—the UN multilateral system and our policy of comprehensive engagement in Asia. Labor continues to support the United Nations process and opposes policies that undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the United Nations.

39. Comprehensive Engagement in the Asia Pacific Region

39. The third pillar of Australia's framework for national security policy and foreign policy is comprehensive regional engagement. This policy pillar is based on the logic that if you have good relations with your neighbours, it is good for your security and if you have bad relations with your neighbours, it is bad for your security. This is particularly critical given the current challenges to our security from terrorism.

40. Labor also believes that comprehensive engagement with Asia rests on the logic that if you have good relations with your neighbours it is good for the economy, exports and jobs.

41. Labor considers that active engagement with Asia is fundamental to our national security and to furthering our national interest. Australia is intimately linked with Asia. We contribute to both the prosperity and security of the region, just as the region profoundly contributes to Australia's prosperity and security. Labor is committed to our nation's future with Asia. Australia's greatest international challenges and opportunities arise from rapid economic change in East Asia and India and the evolving security environment of the Asia Pacific region. Economic growth in East Asia is again presenting Australia with critical opportunities to advance our prosperity and security. Resumed economic growth will be accompanied by increasing regional confidence and assertiveness. As a consequence, Australia will have to make greater efforts and work with imagination to maintain and enhance our relative influence in our region and beyond.

42. Labor is determined to broaden and deepen our links at all levels in the Asia Pacific region and will seek to secure full participation in significant regional forums and processes. The inaugural East Asian Summit in December 2005 marked a significant turning point in the development in East Asian regionalism with the emergence of a forum which may ultimately become a major regional economic institution. Labor strongly advocated Australia's participation in the East Asia Summit and Labor will seek to play an active role in shaping this new regional mechanism—both its infrastructure and its agenda.

43. Labor will continue to consolidate Australia's economic engagement in the Asia Pacific region, especially with the economies of East Asia, including working through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and other cooperative arrangements to produce concrete benefits in terms of economic growth, jobs and our standard of living.

44. Labor is similarly committed to actively contributing through the ASEAN Regional Forum, to region-wide cooperation on security, specifically the development of capacity and confidence building measures, mechanisms and practices of preventive diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution. Labor will consider offering either Darwin or Townsville as an integrated regional headquarters for an integrated Regional Disaster Coordination Authority, to coordinate national defence and emergency services contributions to natural disaster responses.

45. Labor will actively encourage the further broadening of regional dialogue and cooperation to include problems of sustainable economic and social development and environmental protection, with the aim of enhancing human security throughout our region.

46. Labor is concerned that pandemics such as the transformation of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) into a human-to-human transferable disease has the potential to match terrorism as a national security threat to Australia—and our region. Labor will implement a five point action plan on Avian Influenza which involves:

    • hosting a regional ministerial-level meeting on Avian Influenza;
    • providing assistance for the development of community level surveillance networks to better detect outbreaks of the disease;
    • providing increased technical assistance through the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratories to increase the diagnostic capacity of regional neighbours;
    • establishing a regional compensation fund to provide financial incentives to farmers to report outbreaks of the disease; and
    • negotiating agreements with host countries for the proper provision of medical and other emergency assistance to Australians in affected countries.

47. At the bilateral level, Labor will work with vigour in building productive relationships which advance shared political and economic interests. Labor strongly supports enhancing people-to-people contacts between Australia and our East Asian neighbours and will actively pursue the further development of social, cultural and educational ties. Labor will support the National Asian Languages and Studies in Australian Schools strategy.

48. Labor strongly supports engaging and integrating China with the emerging Asia Pacific security community. The rise of China is the single biggest geopolitical force in the ongoing transformation of our region. Australia's interests are best served by China's positive involvement in the international political and economic community. It is imperative that Australia seek to work cooperatively with China, bilaterally and regionally, and in global forums in the context of an international rules-based order.

49. Australia must embrace India, which is playing an increasing role in global and regional forums, and has been Australia's fastest growing trading partner since 2002. However, the political relationship remains underdeveloped. Labor will work energetically to remedy this deficiency and enhance our ties with India, the fourth largest economy in Asia and now integrating politically and strategically with our region.

50. Australia and Japan have a long standing and mature relationship. Japan is a vital economic partner and our political and strategic relationship is of fundamental importance to Australia's regional and international aspirations. Labor looks forward to the further development of Australian-Japanese ties, especially people-to-people contacts and greater understanding of each other's society and culture.

51. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country and Australia's nearest Asian neighbour, is of vital importance. Labor is committed to building a new relationship with a democratic Indonesia. Australia and Indonesia have strong, shared interests in regional security cooperation and in relation to many international issues. Labor looks forward to the development of a close, mature and multi-dimensional relationship in which no single dimension dominates. Labor will seek to maximise our cooperation in regional and global forums.

52. Labor will give priority to further developing our bilateral economic relationship with Indonesia, providing appropriate humanitarian assistance, supporting sustainable development and increasing people-to-people and institutional exchanges, especially in fields such as the media, education, the arts, health and language training.

53. Timor Leste is one of the newest nations in the world and one of Australia's nearest neighbours. The events of recent years have demonstrated the need for Australia to work together with Timor Leste to build and reinforce the foundations for a viable, self-sustaining, independent and sovereign state. Under Labor, priority will be given to restoring security including through the long-term rebuilding and retraining of the Timor Lestese police force, political reconciliation including support for the preparation and conduct of general elections, and economic development including through development programs to address youth unemployment. Labor strongly supports the further development of a wide range of institutional and people-to-people ties between Australia and Timor Leste.

54. Labor recognises the Treaty signed by Australia and Timor Leste on Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea and the provision of the Treaty that neither party will pursue its claims to sovereign rights and jurisdiction and maritime boundaries for the period of the Treaty. Labor recognises that the people of Timor Leste have the right to secure, internationally recognised borders with all neighbouring countries. Labor will negotiate in good faith with the Government of Timor Leste, in full accordance with international law and all its applications, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Labor believes that the conclusion of the maritime boundary should be based on the joint aspirations of both countries.

55. Australia's greatest international challenges and opportunities arise from rapid economic change in East Asia and the evolving security environment of the Asia Pacific region. Economic growth in East Asia is again presenting Australia with critical opportunities to advance joint prosperity and security.

56. While pursuing closer engagement with East Asia as Australia's highest foreign policy priority, Labor is firmly committed to strengthening and broadening our links with other countries and regions.

57. Labor recognises the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean Rim as a region for achieving the long-term objectives of our foreign and economic policies. Labor will build our relationships with the Indian Ocean Rim and the emerging economies of Southern Africa.

58. Labor will give high priority to the further development of Australia's strong and mutually beneficial relationship with New Zealand, both in respect of bilateral economic and political ties and through cooperation in multilateral forums. We should jointly review existing mechanisms for cooperation and coordination and explore further opportunities for closer integration.

59. Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains a country of great importance to Australia. Labor will work closely with PNG in dealing with the very substantial challenges of economic and social development in the context of great cultural and political diversity. Labor will maintain Australia's strong support for the Bougainville peace process. Labor will continue to provide substantial support to PNG, focusing particularly on basic education and health services, including programs to address the spread of HIV/AIDS and district and community level employment creation and income generation. Labor supports innovative micro and mixed credit schemes and efforts to improve resource management and conservation in the areas of fisheries and forestry.

60. To strengthen our relationship with Pacific Island nations and improve regional stability, Labor believes that a more cooperative approach to our neighbourhood is needed. This approach would include a focus on strengthening the economic, social and political institutions of the Pacific. As part of this, Labor believes that the Pacific region should commit to the long-term objective of integrated regional structures and institutions. Labor recognises the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum as a significant regional gathering.

61. Security, stability and peace in the nations of the Pacific are important to regional security and Australia's national defence. Labor is committed to increasing Australia's efforts to engage in supporting sustainable development in partnership with the nations of the Pacific, through the creation of democratic institutions, effective security arrangements, modern defence forces and social and economic development.

62. Labor will encourage the further development of a wide range of institutional and cultural links between Australians and the people of the Pacific nations. Labor will investigate initiatives such as cultural exchanges, Pacific studies programs in Australian universities and schools, and links between local government in Australia and neighbouring Pacific countries. Labor will also promote economically and environmentally sustainable and equitable development, strengthen regional cooperation in areas including climate change, natural disaster planning, response and relief, fisheries research and protection and work to ensure that impacts on the peoples and nations of the Pacific are fully considered in the negotiation of solutions to global problems.

63. Other Important Bilateral and Regional Relationships

63. Labor supports the development of a strong political, economic and cultural partnership with Europe. Europe has a combined GDP as significant as that of the United States. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) has become a significant political voice globally and within our own region.

64. Similarly, Labor supports expanded relations with the Americas, including Canada, Central America and South America. Latin America is also important in Australia's capacity to increase its multilateral leverage both on trade and other broader UN candidacies.

65. Labor will rectify the emerging pattern of Australian disengagement from the African continent. Africa lies front and centre in the international community's global development challenge. Australia must re-engage with Africa and, to this end, Labor will establish an Africa–Australia Council as a vehicle for deepening this country's commitment to some of the poorest countries on the planet. Africa also presents significant opportunities for Australian business—as well as enhancing Australia's multilateral leverage through the UN system.

66. Australia's Role in Arms Control and Disarmament

66. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), nuclear, chemical and biological, is widely recognised as one of the most serious international security issues facing the world community. The international environment in the immediate aftermath of the Cold War allowed important gains in nuclear arms control and disarmament. In recent years, however, progress in nuclear disarmament has faltered with adverse implications for efforts to halt weapons proliferation. The nuclear activities and ambitions of Iran and North Korea in defiance of the international community pose a major threat to the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

67. Australia has a strong interest in preventing the spread of WMD. This interest has both a humanitarian and a strategic aspect. Labor has an interest in helping to ensure that no one should experience the horrors of nuclear, chemical or biological warfare. Labor also believes that Australia has a strategic interest in minimising the risk that WMD might one day be used or threatened against Australians and Australian interests. Effective, global non-proliferation regimes are vital to limit the spread of WMD in our region. Disarmament and non-proliferation measures are vital to ensure long-term international security and to channel resources into sustainable and just development. Australia has a direct national security interest in ensuring that our immediate region remains free of such weapons and that their presence does not lead to instability and conflict elsewhere.

68. Australia has made significant contributions to important multilateral disarmament and arms control negotiations, notably the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Labor will ensure Australia is at the forefront of international efforts to advance disarmament and non-proliferation.

69. Following recent developments involving North Korea, Iran, the sale of Pakistan's nuclear secrets by AQ Khan and the decision by the United States to engage in nuclear cooperation with India outside the framework of the NPT, the current non-proliferation regime is fundamentally fracturing. The consequences of the collapse of this regime for Australia are acute, including the outbreak of regional, nuclear arms races in South Asia, North East Asia and even possibly South East Asia. The impact on Australia's long-term national security interests is immense. Australia, as a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, has a responsibility to promote the NPT.

70. Labor will launch a new diplomatic initiative aimed at restoring the integrity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Under Labor, Australia will establish and lead a new diplomatic caucus of like-minded countries including both nuclear suppliers and nuclear users—a nuclear "Cairns Group". The objectives of the caucus will be:

    • a review to strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty;
    • new incentives for countries to remain within the peaceful nuclear community, for instance with new assistance in technology transfer and other important forms of peaceful scientific and research cooperation;
    • ensuring that countries within the peaceful nuclear community have the political, diplomatic, economic and military support they need to protect their legitimate national security interests without nuclear weapons;
    • pursuing the recommendations of the Canberra Commission; and
    • ensuring that the carbon emissions gains from the growth of nuclear power are matched by new and innovative work on waste disposal and safety of power generation.

71. With regard to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, Labor will energetically support and pursue appropriate initiatives, such as those recommended by the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the Tokyo Forum for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and the New Agenda Coalition, to achieve further significant reductions in nuclear armament and strengthen non-proliferation regimes as steps toward the ultimate objective of a nuclear weapon free world.

72. Labor will continue to give strong support to strengthening safeguards against further horizontal nuclear proliferation, to negotiating a convention banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons and to the earliest possible entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Labor will continue support for nuclear weapon free zones in the South Pacific, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and South East Asia and explore the possibilities of links between those zones to consolidate a southern hemisphere free of nuclear weapons.

73. Labor will actively encourage the pursuit of further substantial reductions of nuclear arsenals and the development of processes for bringing all nuclear weapon states into the disarmament process as steps toward the ultimate objective of a nuclear weapon free world. In this regard, Labor considers it very important to protect fully the integrity of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

74. In the longer-term, achievement and maintenance of a nuclear weapon free world will require an enduring legal framework, linked to the Charter of the United Nations. Labor supports exploration of potential legal frameworks for the abolition of nuclear weapons, including negotiation of a Nuclear Weapons Convention that would ban nuclear weapons and provide a global framework for the elimination of existing arsenals.

75. Efforts to reduce and eliminate nuclear arms must be accompanied by further progress in eliminating other WMD. Labor will continue Australia's strong support for the Chemical Weapons Convention and pursue the earliest possible completion of negotiations for a robust and effective verification protocol for the Biological Weapons Convention. Labor is committed to continue support for the Missile Technology Control Regime and explore the possibilities of negotiating more effective multilateral constraints on ballistic missiles.

76. In response to the global humanitarian crisis produced by anti-personnel landmines, Labor will campaign to encourage universal adherence to the Ottawa Convention and continue to give high priority in Australia's overseas aid programs to de-mining activities and assistance to landmine victims in afflicted countries.

77. Labor strongly supports international efforts to address the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons across the globe, and particularly in the South Pacific. We are committed to work in both global and regional forums to stop illegal trafficking and limit destabilising accumulations and transfers of small arms. Labor will ratify the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

78. Human Rights in International Relations

78. Labor considers the promotion of universal human rights to be a core foreign policy objective that cannot be traded off against other diplomatic and economic goals. Support for an active and consistent pro-human rights stand is firmly grounded in Australian values.

79. The Australian people expect our nation's diplomacy to be both principled and effective. A foreign policy that incorporates and reflects the core human rights values of our society will enjoy more respect overseas and greater support within Australia. Respect for human rights brings benefits in higher standards of international behaviour. Domestic peace and stability, which stems from respect for human rights, contributes to international security. Effective human rights diplomacy supports international and regional security, and therefore Australia's national interests.

80. Labor considers all human rights to be universal, equal and indivisible. There is no hierarchy of human rights. The basic human rights to food, shelter, health care, economic security and education are preconditions for human survival, dignity and the enjoyment of civil and political rights. Equally, respect for civil and political rights is critical to advancing economic and other rights. Each group of rights underpins the other.

81. Labor considers all states have a duty to protect and promote universal human rights. This obligation is grounded in the principles contained within the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international covenants. It is an obligation also based on the consistency of experience across diverse cultures and societies in which ideals of popular sovereignty, equality of treatment, fairness and freedom are enduring themes.

82. Labor considers human rights to be a subject of legitimate international concern and rejects attempts to portray this concern as interference in the internal affairs of other states. International dialogue on universal human rights issues must be based on the concept of mutual respect. Australia must respect the political, economic, social, religious and cultural differences between other countries and us. At the same time, Australian diplomacy must never lose sight of our core national values as a country with proud democratic traditions of openness and rigorous debate.

83. Labor will be forthright in raising concerns over human rights violations with relevant governments in our region and beyond. Similarly, we expect and welcome the prospect of international scrutiny of Australia's domestic human rights record. This includes the mandatory imposition of the death penalty.

84. Labor is determined to further strengthen international mechanisms and processes for monitoring human rights violations, especially those monitored under the auspices of the United Nations, and to encourage the development of regional dialogue on human rights issues in the Asia Pacific region. Cooperation between national human rights institutions is an important foundation for regional understandings and arrangements to advance human rights in our region. Labor will work to further develop the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.

85. Labor strongly supports the development of bilateral human rights dialogues as an integral element of Australia's relations with our neighbours in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. These should supplement, but not replace, multilateral monitoring mechanisms and processes and not constrain Australia's ability to speak out strongly against violations of human rights.

86. Where appropriate, Labor supports the imposition of targeted ‘smart' sanctions against governments that violate fundamental human rights. Such sanctions will not be to the detriment of the general population.

87. Labor is concerned about human rights abuses wherever they occur in the region and will continue to raise concerns with relevant governments.

88. Human Rights

88. Labor is gravely concerned about the continuing human rights abuses in North Korea. The North Korean regime is one of the most repressive in the world with a horrific record of human rights abuses. Regrettably, there is little room for optimism that the humanitarian and human rights situation in North Korea will improve in the near future.

89. Labor deplores the continued denial of democratic process in Burma and the well-documented human rights abuses that have caused so many citizens to leave Burma. Labor strongly supports efforts by the United Nations for a political solution in Burma that will end years of suffering, denial and decline. Labor believes Australia can make a larger contribution through the Australian aid program to rebuilding Burma to help give its people a future.

90. Labor considers that support for universal human rights and democratic processes should be an integral part of Australia's engagement with Indonesia. In the context of a broadly based and multifaceted relationship, Australia should maintain contact with all elements of the political process in Indonesia and our dialogue should give expression to the Australian people's fundamental concern with human rights and democratic freedoms. Labor notes the improvements in relation to the political infrastructure developments between West Papua and other parts of Indonesia. Labor strongly supports the Special Autonomy Act of 2001 for West Papua and supports a solution similar to that implemented in Aceh, including full implementation of the Special Autonomy Act of 2001. Labor urges the acceptance of freedom of movement and access by non government organisations and journalists to enhance openness and transparency as the Special Autonomy laws are progressively implemented.

91. Labor strongly believes there must be a vigorous human rights dialogue with China where significant human rights abuses continue to occur. Labor notes the role played by the Australia–China Human Rights Dialogue. Labor believes that this should not be a substitute for other bilateral representations to the Chinese Government on particular human rights cases.

92. Beyond the Asia Pacific region, Labor is concerned about human rights violations wherever they occur and Labor in government will continue to raise human rights concerns with the governments concerned. In particular, Labor is very concerned about ongoing and systematic human rights abuses which continue to occur in Zimbabwe, the Sudan and Iran.

93. Labor will actively campaign to focus world attention on governments that persist with forms of repression against the development of free trade unionism. Labor reaffirms that issues of core labour standards relate to fundamental human rights and will pursue, as appropriate, through international treaties, guaranteed respect for those rights. Labor deplores cuts to Australia's participation in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and reaffirms its support for programs designed to address abuse of labour rights in the Asia Pacific region through support to neighbouring countries for the development of national labour legislation, helping partner country to ratify ILO conventions, and regional trade union cooperation. Labor will restore and strengthen Australia's participation and support for these vital activities. Labor will also give high priority to supporting international efforts to eradicate the exploitation of child labour.

94. Labor will play an active role in encouraging Australian companies operating overseas to adopt public codes which commit them to observe international human rights standards, including core labour standards, and ensure that their operations do not directly or indirectly violate human rights or inflict unacceptable impacts on local communities and the environment

95. Labor abhors the increasing levels of repression against women in some countries. Labor will vigorously support international campaigns to end:

    • sexual exploitation of women and children, including child sex tourism;
    • prohibitions on education and paid employment for women;
    • the denial of equal property rights for women;
    • the unequal standing of women in judicial systems;
    • the persecution of rape victims; and
    • the systematic use of rape and sexual torture in war.

96. The establishment of an International Criminal Court has been an important step in efforts to deter the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and to ensure justice is done when atrocities have been committed. Labor will actively encourage ratification by other countries to broaden the Court's jurisdiction to punish crimes against humanity. Labor believes the negotiation of bilateral agreements to grant immunity to citizens of particular countries from the jurisdiction of the Court undermines the operation of the International Criminal Court and should not be supported.

97. Labor opposes the death penalty and believes that death by hanging, beheading, electrocution, firing squad, or stoning is inhumane, no matter what the crime. Labor in government will strongly and clearly state its opposition to the death penalty, whenever and wherever it arises and will use its position internationally and in the region to advocate for the universal abolition of the death penalty.

98. That the Australia/China Human Rights Dialogue give an annual report to the Human Rights Committee of Parliament's Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

99. Environmental Diplomacy

99. Labor considers the protection of the global environment a vital foreign policy objective.

100. International environmental concerns have become ever more acute. Many of the most serious environmental problems extend far beyond the boundaries of nation states. Climate change, ozone depletion, over-population, over-consumption, deforestation and loss of biodiversity threaten the future of the planet and its inhabitants. Environmental degradation contributes to social and political conflict. It undermines regional and international security. Protecting the environment will support Australia's national interests and security.

101. Climate change is the most significant international environmental issue and one of the biggest challenges confronting Australia. Climate change is real and it is hurting the planet now. Our Pacific neighbours are particularly vulnerable to climate change through rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

102. Major advances have been made in international environmental cooperation on, and regulation of, global commons. Although multilateral agreements have proven powerful tools for addressing environmental problems, international environmental stewardship lags behind rapid economic and social change. Gains from new technology and environmentally sensitive policies are being overtaken by the pace and scale of population growth and economic development. Concerted global action is required.

103. Leadership on these issues can and must be taken by middle powers such as Australia. Labor is determined to rebuild Australia's reputation as a world leader on international environmental issues.

104. China looms as a key to any effective global response to the challenge of global climate change. Australia's good diplomatic relationship with Beijing and its position as a major energy supplier to China means that Australia has a direct environmental and economic interest in helping shape China's response to global climate change. Labor will initiate a government-to-government level Australia-China Commission on Global Climate Change.

105. Labor is committed to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development process as the framework for our international environmental policies and to Agenda 21 as an action plan to promote sustainable development on a worldwide basis. Labor will ratify the Kyoto Protocol and join the world in a global agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

106. Labor strongly supports the work of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and will pursue reform aimed at enhancing the UNEP's advocacy of global environmental concerns.

107. Labor will give priority to environmental cooperation in the Asia Pacific region where rapid economic growth is accompanied by increasing environmental pressures and damage. Labor supports regional cooperation on environmental issues through APEC and in cooperation with ASEAN. We will seek to upgrade consultation with Japan, the United States, Canada and New Zealand. We will further seek to establish new and substantive dialogues with major developing countries, especially China, Indonesia and India.

108. Australia's Pacific Island neighbours face increasing environmental challenges arising from climate change, population growth and rapid increases in exploitation of land, forests and fisheries. Increased Australian support for regional environmental programs, sustainable management of fisheries and other bilateral environmental assistance to Pacific Island countries will be key elements of Australia's engagement with the Pacific under Labor. In order to properly measure and monitor the impact of climate change, a dedicated Pacific Climate Change Centre and a Pacific Climate Change Alliance should be established. Australia should play a key leadership role in supporting migration and evacuation efforts through an international coalition to accept climate change refugees.

109. Labor will develop a Pacific Climate Change Strategy, which will include:

     • a continuation of the proposed long-range climate change prediction project;
     • assistance for mitigation, adaptation and emergency response efforts, such as protecting fresh water sources from salt water contamination and dealing with infrastructure decay caused by coastal erosion;
     • assistance with intra-country evacuations when citizens have to be moved from low-lying areas to higher ground;
     • training to help the citizens of countries that have to be fully evacuated;
     • establishing an international coalition to accept climate change refugees when a country becomes uninhabitable because of rising seas levels, damage to coastal infrastructure or reduced food security and water supplies;
     • assistance to preserve the cultural heritage of those who are evacuated; and
     • establishing a Pacific Climate Change Alliance to add greater momentum to global efforts to deal with climate change. But for Australia to credibly be part of such an alliance, it must ratify the Kyoto Protocol and commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

110. As a major Antarctic claimant state, Australia has a special responsibility to protect the Antarctic's near pristine environment. Labor will work to further strengthen the Antarctic Treaty System with particular emphasis on enhancing environmental protection. Labor supports negotiation of a stringent agreement on liability for damage to the Antarctic environment. Priority will also be given to developing effective arrangements for management of tourism and other non-government activities that may impact on the Antarctic environment. Labor will energetically seek to combat unsustainable, illegal and unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean.

111. Labor will support World Heritage listing for Antarctica, working with other nations to give Antarctica the environmental status it deserves.

112. Labor will pursue a permanent end to all commercial and scientific whaling and the establishment of a global whale sanctuary. Labor will pursue legal action against whaling nations before international courts and tribunals to end the slaughter of whales for all time.

113. The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and the Nias earthquake highlight the real threat that natural disasters pose to our regional stability, safety and security. Such events also highlight the need for improved relief and reconstruction coordination across the region.

114. Labor proposes the establishment of a Regional Disaster Management Centre aimed at developing the effective coordination of regional emergency services. This Centre would be established with wide and thorough consultation with sector experts and regional partners. Townsville and Darwin are both logical locations given their logistical capacity, existing skills, and Defence personnel concentration. Such an organisation is an excellent mechanism for developing closer regional relationships by focusing on such a practical and internationally relevant issue.

115. Development Assistance Responsibilities

115. Eliminating the disparities between the world's rich and poor is one of the critical international challenges of our time. The world can never be just, if one in five of its people live in abject poverty and are denied basic rights to health, shelter, education, clean water and sanitation. Global poverty is also a leading source of international insecurity with high levels of poverty linked to political and economic instability, human rights abuse, unrest and war, uncontrolled migration and population growth and environmental degradation. Both altruism and self interest require that we actively assist the economic and social advancement of people in developing countries, especially the poorest countries and communities.

116. To that end, Labor believes the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) should constitute the new framework for global overseas development assistance (ODA) and Australia's national contribution. Labor argues for a deepening in the world's commitment to this MDG framework. Specifically, this involves commitments to:

     • eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
     • achieve universal primary education;
     • promote gender equality and empower women;
     • reduce child mortality;
     • improve maternal health;
     • combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;
     • ensure environmental sustainability; and
     • develop a global partnership for development.

117. Labor believes that Australia's commitment to the MDGs should also be reflected in appropriate levels of senior ministerial representation at relevant UN review conferences. The fact that Australia has failed consistently to do so in recent years unnecessarily undermines Australia's international standing in a critical area of corporate global responsibility.

118. Consistent with our commitment to the ideals of equality and social justice, Labor accepts the challenge of working towards these goals as an urgent priority. This objective fully supports Australia's long-term security and economic interests. While the provision of development assistance may also support our foreign policy objectives, the pursuit of short-term diplomatic and trade advantage can easily compromise the effectiveness of our aid program and should not determine development assistance priorities.

119. A focus on the MDGs is also consistent with our determination to employ Australia's overseas development assistance to advance respect for human rights. Labor considers efforts to advance the full range of human rights, economic, social, cultural, civil and political, must be integral to Australia's overseas aid, while acknowledging the sovereign right of developing nations to control the form and nature of their development.

120. In promoting the MDGs, Australia's overseas aid program should involve a cooperative partnership with developing countries and peoples to:

     • support broadly based, equitably distributed and sustainable economic growth by encouraging sound national economic policies, including helping to develop efficient, accountable and equitable government administration;
     • work to increase access to basic human requirements such as health, education, housing and sanitation, where possible building upon existing infrastructure, knowledge and resources of local communities;
     • increase the productivity of the poor by facilitating access to productive assets, including support for micro-credit programs, and access to vocational training and appropriate agricultural technology;
     • break down barriers to the participation of the poor in economic and social development, and especially support activities which enable women to contribute to and benefit from development;
     • establish a human rights framework for Australia's overseas aid programs and include human rights issues and respect for Indigenous rights and culture in our development assistance policy dialogue with recipient countries. This should be done bearing in mind the pitfalls of imposing donor values and structures on developing countries through development assistance:
     • support environmentally sustainable development work directed towards environmental protection and rehabilitation;
     • address HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases; and
     • support population activities, including voluntary family planning, as part of wider efforts to improve the health and education of women.

121. Labor strongly supports further international action to provide effective debt relief for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. Debt relief should be closely linked to social and economic development and poverty alleviation. Australia must be prepared to contribute its fair share of the cost of debt cancellation.

122. Labor will pursue reforms to ensure the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank are held more accountable for their programs in terms of poverty reduction and sustainable development, as well as their impacts on vulnerable groups and communities.

123. Labor accepts the internationally agreed aid volume target of 0.7 per cent of GNP for overseas development assistance. Labor will ensure that Australia's overseas aid as a percentage of GNP is not further reduced and will work towards the UN goal of 0.7 per cent

124. Labor acknowledges the inadequacy of much development assistance in recent years, and therefore will commit to new and innovative approaches in aid delivery. To address the effectiveness of aid delivery, Labor will conduct a thorough review of AusAID's performance and consider whether AusAID should become a department separate to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure its independence in policy making.

125. To address the accountability of aid delivery, Labor will consider establishing a Legislative Charter on Australian Development Assistance to guarantee that aid is spent on poverty reduction and not political agendas.

126. To promote creative responses to aid delivery, Labor will consider the creation of a Global Development Institute to conduct development research to inform policy making.

127. Labor will also maximise aid effectiveness through:

     • discouraging corruption and other destructive distortions in recipient countries nurtured by ineffective development assistance;
     • ensuring governance initiatives are properly balanced against the need for poverty reduction through the adequate provision of basic services;
     • empowering and serving individuals in developing countries more effectively and directly through decentralised aid delivery; and
     • supporting grass roots, local ownership of institutions of governance.

128. Such measures will enable Labor to improve the effectiveness of development assistance and encourage greater commitment to development assistance in wealthy countries and, in so doing, better fulfil its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.

129. The geographical scope of Australia's aid programs should reflect our primary regional focus on East Asia and the South Pacific. This should not preclude significant development assistance activities in other areas, especially South Asia and Africa where many of the world's poorest communities are located. Labor also supports the continuation of special development assistance programs of global significance such as Australia's aid contributions in support of the Middle East peace process.

130. Labor is committed to ensuring that Australia's overseas development assistance is delivered professionally in a cost effective manner and that over time it contributes to development. Labor strongly supports the role of non-government organisations in the development and delivery of Australia's overseas aid program. Labor will further enhance the role of Australian and international non-government organisations as channels for Australia's development assistance, subject to rigorous standards of effectiveness and accountability. Labor believes that aid delivery needs creative and decentralised approaches including the development of Civil Society Partnership Agreements with the private sector, non-government organisations, religious organisations and other recognised, accredited community organisations. Labor will also consider establishing a Pacific Development Trust to promote micro-credit schemes through the establishment of local financial services providers or by complementing existing private sector initiatives.

131. Australia's International Image

131. Labor will strengthen efforts to enhance Australia's international profile and standing through information activities, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.

132. Labor notes that other countries have increased their short-wave and television penetration of Asia—while in Australia's case it has declined.

133. Institutional Foundations of Foreign Policy

133. Australia's diplomatic service is a national asset that is critical to maximising our international influence and securing outcomes that advance the interests of Australia and Australians. Australia needs effective diplomacy to make us heard and help shape the course of international and regional events.

134. Australian governments must be provided with timely and high quality analysis of international developments. Similarly our overseas representation must enable us to pursue our objectives in a cost effective way and to exploit emerging opportunities to enhance our security, economic and other interests.

135. Australia's diplomatic service has suffered significant cutbacks that impair its ability to pursue our national interests. Targeted reinvestment in our international relations effort is required to meet the challenges of the next two decades and beyond. Labor will:

     • strengthen the capacity of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other relevant agencies to assess and assist in shaping global and regional patterns of strategic and economic change and their implications for Australia, especially in the longer term;
     • establish a high level policy planning capability for the minister and the government. Rather than simply responding to international events as they unfold, Labor will establish a long-term policy and strategic planning capability with a view to shaping events and positioning Australia for the environment it will confront in 10, 20 and 50 years time;
     • ensure that the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio retains and develops relevant policy expertise;
     • review the capacity and focus of Australia's overseas representation to ensure that our network of diplomatic posts is resourced to meet the challenges of the increasingly complex international agenda and the growing needs of government, business and the Australian people;
     • review and strengthen Australia's public diplomacy programs to project abroad an image of a modern, culturally diverse, tolerant and sophisticated Australia, in support of our key foreign and trade policy objectives; and
     • ensure that DFAT maintains ‘critical mass' in its cadre of linguistic and area specialisations consistent with Australia's regional interests. Australia must maintain in its diplomatic service (inter alia) continuing high levels of expertise in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Hindi, Tamil and Vietnamese. In the case of the languages of South East Asia in particular, the impact of regional terrorism makes the retention of these language and area specialisations within DFAT even more critical than in the past.

136. Labor will ensure that high priority is given to assisting all Australian travellers and Australians overseas through effective and accessible consular services. In the aftermath of the Bali bombings, Labor will overhaul every aspect of the DFAT travel advisory system to ensure there is no avoidable mismatch between intelligence and what the travelling public are told.

137. Labor recognises the important contribution made to advancing Australia's national interests by Australia's intelligence collection and assessment agencies and the necessity for effective management, scrutiny and accountability of those organisations. Labor is committed to:

     • ensuring that our intelligence agencies are able to assess effectively and respond to national security challenges, including threats arising from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism; and
     • maintaining appropriate and effective oversight of Australia's intelligence agencies, including placing all such organisations on an appropriate legislative basis and under effective parliamentary scrutiny.

138. Labor is committed to ensuring continued effective parliamentary and public scrutiny of international treaties prior to final treaty action by government. Labor will continue arrangements for review of treaties including the Treaties Council, the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, and the requirement that treaties together with National Interest Analyses be tabled in the Commonwealth parliament for at least fifteen sitting days before final treaty action is taken. Labor is committed to further enhance consultation with State and Territory governments and increase opportunities for public and parliamentary scrutiny prior to the conclusion of treaty negotiations.

139. Western Sahara

139. Labor supports the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and is concerned about allegations of human rights abuses in the occupied areas of Western Sahara. Labor believes in maintaining an appropriate dialogue with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the people of Western Sahara. In government Labor will support UN efforts to organise a free and fair referendum on independence in Western Sahara, and calls on the UN to press Morocco to implement all UN resolutions pertaining to Western Sahara.

140. Labor urges the Australian Government to extend all due assistance to the UN in its efforts to organise a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara, and to maintain an appropriate dialogue with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the people of Western Sahara. Labor calls on the UN to press Morocco to implement UN resolutions with regards to the decolonisation process in Western Sahara, the last non-self-governing African territory on the UN decolonisation list.

141. Cyprus

141. Labor in government will use all its influence to help facilitate a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus, and resulting in the demilitarisation and reunification of the island for the benefit of all its people.

142. Strength, Sustainability and Self Reliance in Defence

143. Principles

142. Labor believes that the main responsibility of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is to defend Australian territory and other key Australian strategic interests from any credible threat.

143. The foundation of Labor's defence policy is the principle of Australian self reliance. Labor considers that Australia's armed forces need to be able to defend Australia without relying on the combat forces of other countries. Labor believes that the principle of self reliance reflects, fundamentally, Australia's sense of itself as an independent nation.

144. Notwithstanding its commitment to a self reliant defence policy, Labor recognises the importance of strong bilateral and multilateral defence relationships in providing for Australia's defence. Where appropriate, Labor will both strengthen existing defence ties through the United Nations, with our key allies, and by building new relationships within the Asia Pacific region.

145. Australia's Strategic Interests

145. Labor considers that the best way for Australia to discharge its global responsibilities, and to protect its national security interests at the same time, lies first in defending our nation and then in fostering peace, stability and security within our South Pacific neighbourhood and the broader Asia Pacific region.

146. Labor believes that the ADF needs to possess the capability to make contributions to international operations led by the United Nations and Australia's key allies in the pursuit of broader national strategic objectives. Those contingents will be drawn from the forces and capabilities that are developed for the defence of Australia and for operations in our region.

147. Labor sees the expansion of the ADF Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capability as critical to its stability and peace building operations. The empowerment of local populations and creation of sustainable governance institutions can only be achieved through a comprehensive and integrated framework of cooperation between military, policing and civilian organisations. Labor will work to facilitate this process in line with other countries and the UN. Labor considers the utilisation of skills within the ADF's Reserve capability to be critical in an enhanced CIMIC program.

148. Labor will ensure that ADF capability development is directly related to Australia's strategic interests and that appropriately regular strategic reviews are undertaken with public reports published. Where necessary, Labor will respond to changes in Australia's strategic circumstances by providing a clear explanation of any implications for defence.

149. Maintaining a Viable Defence Capability

149. Labor is committed to maintaining a strong and efficiently managed defence organisation that possesses the equipment, personnel and skills that are needed to meet the demands placed upon it by the Australian government. In particular, Labor expresses concern about the looming air capability gap that will be created between the retirement of the F-111 and F/A-18 from the RAAF and the acquisition of a new capability.

150. Labor believes that armed conflict should be a last resort and that every effort should be made to prevent it. Nevertheless, a strong and technologically advanced defence capability must be maintained and be so effective as to demonstrate, if necessary, Australia's intention and ability to defend itself and its vital interests.

151. Labor considers that all Australians within Australian territory are entitled to the full protection of the ADF. No concentration of defence effort in particular areas, shall in any way compromise the security of other parts of Australia's national territory.

152. Terrorism

152. Labor believes that Australia's national interest dictates a committed and determined effort to prevent the spread of terrorism. Labor is strongly committed to working with its neighbours, allies and through the United Nations, to eliminate this serious threat.

153. While primary responsibility for counter-terrorism rests with Australia's intelligence, law enforcement and emergency management agencies, the ADF also has a critical role. Labor's new Department of Homeland Security will work closely with Defence to ensure that Australia develops a coordinated, whole of government response to the ongoing threat of terrorism. The ADF will also work with its regional partners and allies to enhance joint counter-terrorism training and operations.

154. Labor is committed to ensuring that the ADF, in particular the Special Forces, is equipped with the highest level of counter-terrorist capabilities available.

155. Labor will investigate the need for further research of force protection, surveillance and detection capabilities for the ADF to counter terrorism-related technologies such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

156. International and Regional Defence Relationships

156. Labor recognises the importance of both bilateral and multilateral defence relationships in achieving security for Australia and creating and maintaining stability in Australia's strategic environment. Defence cooperation with Australia's neighbours is important for building regional security.

157. Labor will ensure that Defence cooperation does not contribute to any suppression or violation of human rights or democratic freedoms. Labor will closely monitor the human rights performance of foreign military forces with which Australia engages in defence cooperation. If necessary, Australia will work with regional military forces to increase respect for human rights and democratic processes.

158. The US Alliance

158. Labor considers the alliance relationship with the United States to be fundamentally important to Australia's national security. Labor believes that the ANZUS Treaty, which is central to the alliance relationship, is one of Australia's great national assets. Labor endorsed the invoking of the ANZUS Treaty following the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001.

159. Labor will continue to build on this excellent relationship developed over many years. We will revitalise the consultative mechanisms to facilitate a strong relationship into the future.

160. Labor will continue to promote joint defence exercises and improved interoperability with United States military forces, within the context of Australia's national defence objectives.

161. Pine Gap

161. The Pine Gap Joint Facility makes an important contribution to this alliance as well as to the deterrence and avoidance of conflict. Labor will require that this facility continue to be managed and operated on a joint basis and only with the Australian Government's full knowledge of and concurrence with the facility's activities. Labor will ensure the operations of the Joint Facility are consistent with Australia's national security, disarmament and non-proliferation objectives. Labor will require that this facility continue to be managed and operated as a joint Australian-US facility within Full Knowledge and Concurrence arrangements to ensure the protection of Australian sovereignty.

162. Ballistic Missile Defence

162. Labor considers that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile delivery systems is one of the most serious international security issues confronting the world today. Labor considers effective efforts to combat these developments require sustained multilateral, diplomatic and defence cooperation and action.

163. Labor is concerned that as a unilateral response to the problem of ballistic missile proliferation, national missile defence is disproportionate, technically questionable, costly and likely to be counterproductive. It also has the potential to undermine non-proliferation and derail world progress towards nuclear disarmament. Labor also notes that national missile defence would impact on the security situation in the Asia Pacific region, and that this could have serious consequences for Australia's strategic circumstances and national security.

164. Labor is committed to ensuring that all efforts are made to protect ADF personnel deployed on operations. Labor supports the development of capability for in-theatre defence of ADF personnel and key strategic interests from ballistic missile attack.

165. Defence Relationships in the Asia Pacific Region

165. Labor is committed to Australia comprehensively engaging with other nations in the Asia Pacific region, as part of its efforts to foster and preserve peace, stability and security in this region. Labor recognises that these efforts are increasingly fundamental to Australia's own national security.

166. Australia's participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) will remain an important aspect of regional policy under Labor. The FPDA provides a unique, multinational forum in which the ADF can exercise with other countries of the region. Labor will work to maintain the FPDA as a cooperative treaty with benefit for all participants.

167. The continued development of Indonesia's democracy and joint cooperation against terrorism, is allowing Australia to build on the strength of its relationship with that country. Labor will ensure that any defence relationship between Australia and Indonesia will be as equal partners, to the benefit of both countries and that of our broader region while ensuring that Labor's commitment to liberal democratic and human rights values is not compromised.

168. Australia's historical and close ties with New Zealand are the basis of an ongoing partnership. Labor will promote regular, joint military exercises with New Zealand and seek to improve the operational capability of potential joint deployments and foster the synergies that can be created with our different defence capabilities.

169. Australia has a special role and responsibility in its relations with Papua New Guinea. Labor in government will assist Papua New Guinea to develop an effective and disciplined defence force, while encouraging non-military solutions to problems of internal security and order.

170. Security of the Pacific nations is essential for regional security and Australia's own defence. Labor will increase Australia's efforts to engage in supporting sustainable development of the Pacific nations through the creation of democratic institutions, effective law enforcement and modern defence forces. Labor understands that this is a long-term process that must not be prematurely disengaged from, requiring an enhanced ADF Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capability.

171. Allied Use of Australian Facilities

171. Labor will support the use of facilities in Australia by the armed forces of friendly countries for combined exercises, training and goodwill visits, provided that in times of peace:

     • use of Australian ports by foreign warships does not extend to the home porting of any of those vessels in Australia;
     • staging of military aircraft through Australian airfields or airspace shall only be for such purposes as may be agreed beforehand by the Australian Government;
     • no nuclear, biological or chemical weapons may be stored or stationed in Australia;
     • nuclear powered vessels visit only those ports which, after assessment by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), have been determined by the Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear) as being suitable for those vessels, and provided also that all other safety precautions and conditions that are deemed necessary by the relevant Australian authorities are complied with by the vessels concerned; and
     • appropriate environmental safeguards are in place.

172. Defence Personnel

172. Labor recognises that the ADF's most valuable asset is its people. Labor is committed to an ADF which is made up of highly motivated, skilled, well trained and well equipped personnel who volunteer for service. The ADF must be able to compete in the labour market to recruit and retain the best and brightest personnel. In order for the ADF to be an attractive and competitive employer, Labor will develop an integrated long-term personnel policy that addresses the special nature of military service, the needs of service families and the need for a stronger sense of mutual respect.

173. Labor will ensure that ADF pay and conditions continue to be fixed in a fair and transparent manner by an independent tribunal. Labor believes that ADF personnel have the right to form, and be members of, associations in respect of their pay and conditions. Labor will allow associations that can demonstrate a substantial membership to have the right to appear before the independent tribunal to present the views of serving members.

174. The Howard Government has comprehensively failed to stem the progressive slide in ADF recruitment and retention. Each of the three services is now seriously undermanned, resulting in under-crewed ships and shortfalls in the Army and Air Force equivalent to one whole battalion of troops. Service in the ADF has become less popular due to the failure of the Howard Government to address the disruptive lifestyle for families, lack of career planning, the negative image of failed military justice and the political controversy over unpopular deployments such as Iraq.

175. Labor will review the current distribution of bases to reduce the need for frequent disruptive transfers, develop a better program of career planning, invest in better training programs providing marketable skills on discharge and revise the approach to overseas deployments with a new emphasis on shorter rotations.

176. Labor will also review pay and conditions to ensure that recruitment attractions match those more broadly available in the labour market.

177. New incentives will also be developed to improve retention rates and reduce wastage caused by lack of direction, poor career planning opportunities and improper use of medical discharge processes.

178. New incentives will also be developed to improve retention rates and reduce wastage caused by lack of direction, career planning opportunities and the improper use of medical discharge processes.

179. Training

179. Skill shortfalls are currently crippling the ADF and its capacity to defend Australia. This is largely consistent with the failure of the Howard Government to attend to the education and training crisis more broadly within in the economy. Labor recognises that in the high tech world of defence weaponry and the need for self sufficiency in defence industry support, much more needs to be done.

180. Labor will therefore develop a new defence training program in association with State and Territory governments and the education sector to ensure that specific skill shortages within Defence are addressed.

181. Occupational Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation

181. Labor will continue to support a modern, dedicated occupational health and safety regime for all personnel, supported by a fair and supportive military rehabilitation and compensation scheme. Labor believes that these arrangements should reflect the unique employment circumstances of the ADF, the need to respect the historical approach to injury and illness incurred overseas and the need for firm policies of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, return to work and income maintenance measures.

182. Labor will ensure that all ADF personnel receive timely and accurate information about occupational health and safety, and compensation provisions and appropriate assistance to claim compensation when they sustain a work-related injury or illness.

183. Labor believes that before ADF personnel are deployed on operations they should, at any early stage, receive full details about the medical circumstances of their deployment, including physical and mental health risks, thorough preparation including trauma counselling, and the need for preventive measures such as inoculation by consent, based on the best information available. Labor will also ensure personnel receive comprehensive medical and psychological screening checks and support upon their return from operations.

184. Labor is acutely aware of the stresses of military duty on active service overseas and the need to ensure that ADF members receive full support and treatment in the event of the debilitating and career threatening risks associated with mental health disorders. Labor will review the adequacy of current mental health screening and assessments processes and ensure early intervention and treatment in every case. This will also extend to include cases where there is abuse of processes of military justice, harassment, or discrimination, likely to result in stress affecting duties and career potential.

185. Labor supports the deployment of female personnel in both non-warlike and warlike circumstances on a voluntary basis, short of actual front line combat.

186. Military Justice

186. As part of its commitment to lift the standard of military justice in the ADF, commensurate with the recommendations of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee report on military justice of June, 2005, Labor will ensure that the system of military justice which has broken down so dramatically under the Howard Government is restored.

187. Labor will very closely monitor the Howard Government's changes to the system of military justice following that report and will not hesitate to further improve the system if the problems of harassment and breaches of natural justice continue to pass untreated. Labor will not tolerate failure to investigate complaints, cover up, or inadequate investigation. Labor will ensure that all allegations of sexual assault involving members of the ADF are referred immediately to the civilian police for investigation with total cooperation from the ADF command.

188. Labor will ensure impartial, rigorous and fair outcomes for all affected parties in any complaint lodged for redress. Labor is committed to the introduction of a strict accountability system to improve the transparency and public accountability of all military justice investigations.

189. Composition of the ADF

189. Labor believes it is important that the nation's defence force be representative of the community it serves. Labor will reconsider Defence's recruitment policies to ensure that the ethnic composition of the ADF better reflects the cross section of Australian people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

190. Labor believes that the Reserves are a critical component of Australia's defence capability that need to be able to contribute to any sort of operation in which Australia might participate. Labor is committed to integrating full-time ADF and Reserve elements in a total force structure where the different role of all components is properly understood, valued and utilised effectively. Labor will also:

     • abolish the Common Induction Training for the Army and review it for the Navy and Air Force;
     • assess the adequacy of equipment available for the purpose of Reserves training, in light of evidence that some units are suffering shortages of weapons and ammunition; and
     • be vigilant in ensuring that the rights and protections accorded to Reservists are observed, including through the reintroduction of defence leave as an allowable award matter.

191. Labor is concerned that the current shortfall of Reserve recruits is preventing the reserves from fully performing the functions envisaged in the 2000 Defence White Paper. Labor endorses the changes made to Reserves' conditions and employment processes in late 2005.

192. Defence Administration

192. Labor has long been concerned at the past 10 years of administrative failures of the Department of Defence, as described in a continuing series of critical reports of the ANAO. These include failure to reconcile and acquit $8 billion of expenditure on military assets, including personal leave. Insufficient investment has been made in information systems development and training. Labor will give top priority to the rectification of these shortcomings.

193. Labor is also concerned at the repeated failure of the department, the DMO and the ADF to comply with broader government guidelines and administrative procedures, as instanced by breaches of Attorney General guidelines for legal assistance and Finance guidelines for the assessment of compensation for defective administration. Labor will insist on full compliance with all such government guidelines, with particular attention to tendering and contract management, breaches of which continue to be a serious deficiency.

194. Defence Industry and Procurement

194. Labor believes that the failure of the Howard Government to deliver major defence equipment projects on time, within budget and with the required level of capability is undermining Australia's overall defence efforts.

195. Labor is committed to reforming defence acquisition policy to ensure that the defence procurement process delivers better outcomes for the ADF, the Australian Government, and the Australian community.

196. Labor will ensure that the Defence portfolio including the new Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is more accountable for the timely and cost effective delivery of all major defence acquisition projects. Labor will fund the ANAO to prepare an annual report akin to that prepared in the UK whereby every Defence acquisition project is assessed and reported on annually for its compliance with time, cost and quality outcomes. Parliamentary oversight will thereby be enhanced.

197. Labor will also introduce new restrictions to limit the improper practice of senior and expert defence personnel leaving Defence employment to work with private defence companies, thereby compromising national security, public service ethics, and corrupting the transparency and accountability of current procurement processes.

198. Defence Industry

198. Australia's defence industry sector is an integral part of the defence of Australia. Labor is committed to fostering a strong and viable, long-term domestic defence industry and will ensure that government policy reflects that commitment.

199. Labor recognises that defence acquisition plays a significant role in the modernisation of Australian industry and the development of a skills base. Labor will give preference to Australian based companies, with special consideration for local suppliers being desirable where:

     • the supplier is commercially competitive;
     • the supplier is operating in an area of high strategic value; and
     • local production is required to establish a new capacity capable of future development.

200. Defence Industry Sectoral Plans

200. Labor supports the development of defence industry sectoral plans for shipbuilding, aerospace, electronics, and land and weapons.

201. Labor believes that the sectoral plans represent a more strategic approach to defence industry policy that will enable Australia to sustain key industry capabilities necessary to meet our long-term national security needs. This also helps to provide better guidance for industry, introduce better business practices within defence and establish better relationships between industry and defence.

202. Labor supports a defence shipbuilding sector plan that maintains a viable defence shipbuilding and repair capability in Australia.

203. Labor will ensure that the ship building and repair industry is based on a competitive private sector model in such a way as to ensure continuity of work through prime and sub contractors, recognising the need for flexibility in the national heavy engineering sector.

204. Labor recognises that a viable and competitive naval ship building industry is strategically vital for Australia's defence, as well as for the continuing health of the heavy engineering and high tech industries involved in modern weaponry. Labor will ensure continuity of work, with emphasis on a nationally coordinated arrangement for modular construction with centres of excellence for assembly and weaponry development, installation and maintenance.

205. Defence Capability Plan

205. Labor is committed to the regular publication of a Defence Capability Plan (DCP) to ensure that the defence industry sector remains informed about future acquisition projects, particularly the proposed timing, cost and level of capability associated with such projects.

206. Consistent with its approach to regular strategic reviews, Labor will review and, as necessary, update the DCP on a regular basis to ensure that public information about defence equipment projects remains current and relevant to the needs of the ADF, the defence industry sector and the Australian community.

207. Defence Science and Technology

207. Labor believes that the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has an impressive record of research and development of defence-related technologies. Labor will further expand and encourage the links between DSTO and the Australian defence industry, including technology transfer to Australian industry. This will ensure maximum benefit from Australian defence research and development and enhance domestic development opportunities for new technologies and products.

208. As far as possible, Labor will foster the retention of intellectual property ownership in Australia, including where appropriate ownership of intellectual property by Defence.

209. The Role of Defence in Urban and Regional Development

209. Consistent with Labor's urban and regional development and transport policies, we will develop ports, airfields, railways and roads which will contribute to the mobility of and infrastructure support for the ADF as well as to the material development of the nation and growth in the defence industrial base. Labor will also ensure that the Defence Force's activities, that provide important transport links and economic infrastructure for rural and regional centres, are maintained.

210. Defence Exports

210. Labor will ensure government control over the manufacture and export of arms, munitions and military goods and services.

211. Labor supports the export of Australian defence equipment within strict guidelines. Labor will not permit defence exports to countries where those exports would:

     • have an adverse impact on Australia's security interests;
     • contravene United Nations embargoes; or
     • pose a clear, identifiable risk of being used for the major suppression or violation of human rights or fundamental freedoms.

212. Defence exports are important in maintaining local industry support for the ADF and in contributing to Australia's own defence capability. Accordingly, Labor will review the defence export facilitation program in consultation with industry to ensure maximum opportunities for the Australian defence industry, within the strict guidelines required for defence exports.

213. Defence Corporate Performance

213. Defence continues to face significant corporate management challenges. Labor will ensure that Defence establishes the highest level of financial discipline, because improved financial management is critical in ensuring that value for money outcomes are delivered to the government, the ADF and the Australian community.

214. Labor will undertake a comprehensive audit of Defence financial management to ensure that the corporate performance of the organisation meets best practice standards. Labor will ensure and demand greater accountability and transparency in Defence financial and asset management.

215. Defence property disposal. Labor recognises the cultural, heritage and environmental significance of many surplus Defence properties around Australia. Labor will review the future of all sites identified as being surplus to Defence needs, before deciding whether to sell or transfer these properties to the community. Labor will ensure that Defence consults with all affected parties, including local communities, local and State government agencies, and private interests before determining the future of individual sites.

216. Defence outsourcing. Labor will review all outsourcing initiatives proposed by Defence to determine the financial viability of proceeding with these programs. Labor will ensure that future outsourcing only occurs in areas where real long-term savings can be generated without compromising the operational capability of the ADF.

217. Security of Australians at Home

217. One of the primary obligations of government is to secure and defend its territory, people and economic and political interests. In recent years, the threat of non-state terrorism has made that task more difficult and threatened to disrupt the peace and security of Australians at home, as well as abroad.

218. These new and additional security challenges require new and effective responses that are compatible with ensuring the safety of Australians at home in a free and democratic society.

219. Life, liberty and security are the most fundamental of all human rights. Ensuring the defence and security of our nation and its people is one of the most important obligations of government.

220. Australia needs tough laws to deal with terrorism but, just as importantly, we need well-balanced laws that target the terrorists, not innocent citizens. We need strong safeguards to protect the civil and human rights that are fundamental to our freedoms. We can protect the community from terrorism while also safeguarding the right to legal representation and a fair trial.

221. In responding to terrorism, we must not undermine or destroy the very liberties we are seeking to protect.

222. Labor is committed to an effective and comprehensive plan for domestic security to enable all Australians to live, work and raise families in safety.

223. Central to that endeavour is the creation of a new Department of Homeland Security to ensure all relevant resources of government are carefully focused on the security of our national borders and critical infrastructure and the protection of all Australians at home.

224. Department of Homeland Security

224. Labor's Department of Homeland Security will achieve better coordination between law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies as well as civil authorities and the Defence Organisation.

225. The Homeland Security Department will coordinate and control the key agencies involved in information and intelligence gathering, border protection, coastal waters, transport security, protection of critical infrastructure, incident response and recovery.

226. Labor's plan avoids the problems created by splitting these functions over a number of Departments that invites overlap, wastage, confusion and missed opportunities. In national security, confusion and missed opportunities can be fatal.

227. Labor's Department of Homeland Security will be organised around its core responsibilities of:

     • border protection;
     • protecting against terrorist attacks;
     • fighting crime;
     • collection and dissemination of intelligence; and
     • response to and recovery from incidents.

228. The border protection role includes responsibility for authorising entry and monitoring the passage of persons and goods through our ports.

229. Protecting against terrorism within the borders would bring together responsibilities such as infrastructure protection, including transport security, counter-terrorism science and technology, crime prevention, emergency management, and protective security coordination.

230. Labor's Homeland Security Department will include a number of law enforcement and security agencies, such as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Federal Police and Protective Service, the Protective Security Coordination Centre, Austrac, Crimtrac and the Australian Crime Commission.

231. This new Department will provide a more efficient and effective way to coordinate and integrate domestic security oper