COUNTER-TERRORISM & STATE SECURITY
Communication & Coordination
There were already strong cooperative, coordinated and consultative arrangements between the Commonwealth, States and Territories in regard to counter-terrorism activities. The Intergovernmental Agreement and the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) have strengthened those links.
Recent world events have reinforced the importance of planning and preparedness. It is vital that we maintain our vigilance and our awareness of security requirements, and build robust relationships both within and between the private and public sectors to further strengthen this State and the nation against any threat, including the threat of terrorism.
Under the National Counter-Terrorism Plan (NCTP), States, Territories and the Commonwealth are required to maintain counter-terrorism and consequence management capabilities to respond to terrorist incidents.
As far as possible, counter-terrorism strategies are incorporated into existing plans and procedures that deal with the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery arrangements for all hazards.
In Western Australia the coordination of these activities is principally undertaken through the State’s representatives on the NCTC, who are also members of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), which is chaired by the Commissioner of Police.
In response to a terrorist incident or significant threat, the Department has a key role in the establishment of a State Crisis Centre to:
- determine whole of government coordination and provide strategic policy direction to agencies, including police;
- approve whole of government media and public information strategies in accordance with the National Security Public Information Guidelines (NSPIG) and;
- liaise with other jurisdictions and the Commonwealth.
The Office of State Security and Emergency Coordination (OSSEC) has received funding to enhance Western Australia’s State Crisis Centre capability. A State Coordination Centre has been established to provide a venue for the coordination of the State’s comprehensive approach to emergency management activities (Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery) that involve multiple agencies, so as to improve emergency management outcomes
The State Coordination Centre provides an opportunity to better coordinate emergency management at the policy and strategic level through collocation and collaboration. OSSEC will be collocated at the Centre with elements of the WA Police, Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the Department for Child Protection.