THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
Special Minister of State
Minister for the Public Service and Integrity
MEDIA RELEASE
NATIONAL SECURITY CAMPAIGN TARGETS CHEMICALS
The Attorney-General today launched a new campaign to prevent terrorists from accessing chemicals that can be used to manufacture explosives.
The campaign includes a new chemical security website and a range of information materials for consumers and retailers of chemicals that are of concern to authorities.
We know that for attacks overseas, terrorists have created improvised explosive devices using commonly available chemicals, Mr Dreyfus said.
Here in Australia we are not immune to the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have identified Australia as a target and Australians have been attacked abroad.
This new campaign calls on all Australians to be vigilant about the misuse of chemicals and to report their suspicions to the National Security Hotline for further investigation.
We also call on chemical wholesalers, transporters and importers, as well as retailers such as pool supply stores, hardware stores, hairdressers and chemists, to be aware of the security risks of the chemicals they sell or stock, and to report suspicious purchases or behaviour to the Hotline.
The Attorney-General revealed the new campaign materials at the National Security Hotline Forum a gathering of police, security and intelligence agency representatives who investigate and process information provided to the Hotline.
The National Security Hotline can be contacted on 1800 123 400. The new chemical security website and information materials can be accessed at www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au
THURSDAY, 23 MAY 2013
