LAUNCH OF AUSTRALIAN STRATEGIC POLICY INSTITUTE’S (ASPI’S) STRATEGY REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SECUIRTY

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has today released its report, Future unknown: The terrorist threat to Australian maritime security.

The threat of maritime terrorism has led to fundamental changes in the international maritime security environment. There have been major developments in the regulation of international shipping, particularly through the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security code. 

A terrorist attack on Australia’s maritime interests is a credible scenario. We have high dependence on shipping and seaborne trade, and are adjacent to a region where terrorist groups have maritime capabilities. Australia still faces major institutional and operational challenges in reducing the risks of maritime terrorism. 

This report identifies where gaps exist in current arrangements. It includes recommendations to improve coordination between national and state agencies and to develop the national capacity to manage maritime security in the longer term. Other problem areas include the management of high-consequence dangerous goods, the management of the supply chain, and possible risks associated with the employment of large numbers of foreign seafarers on the Australian coast. 

Although the Federal Government has dramatically increased spending on counter-terrorism measures, so far few, if any additional resources have been provided for the prevention and response elements of maritime security in ports or close to shore. 

Several recommendations are made to redress this situation, including the establishment of a Maritime and Port Security Program, the strengthening of state water police, the establishment of state port police, and a specific role for the Australian Defence Force in ship and port security. 

The report was written by Dr Anthony Bergin and Dr Sam Bateman with Aldo Borgu, ASPI Operations and Capability Program Director contributing.