COUNTER-TERRORISM & STATE SECURITY
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure protection forms a significant part of the national counter-terrorism agenda.
Critical infrastructure is defined as:
“those physical facilities, supply chains, information technologies and communication networks which, if destroyed, degraded or rendered unavailable for an extended period, would significantly impact on the social or economic well-being of the nation, or affect Australia’s ability to conduct national defence and ensure national security.”
A nationally consistent approach to the protection of critical infrastructure across all levels of government has led to the development of the Critical Infrastructure Protection National Strategy and the National Guidelines for Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Terrorism.
The Western Australia Critical Infrastructure Protection Framework (the Framework) outlines how Western Australia is meeting its obligations under the national strategy and guidelines and is applying a consistent approach to the protection of infrastructure critical to the State.
A great deal of work has already been undertaken by the Western Australian Government in analysing levels of security in place for the State's identified critical infrastructure. The Office of State Security and Emergency Coordination and the Western Australia Police, Critical Infrastructure Unit, are responsible for determining with owners/operators the current status of existing plans, policies and procedures for the identified assets and to improve risk management, business continuity and contingency plans.
The following pages provide further information about critical infrastructure protection: