Archived Media Release
Minister for Home Affairs
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP

17 March 2011

Boosting regional maritime safety and security

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today discussed two initiatives in Indonesia to help boost maritime safety and security in the region.

Minister O’Connor is in Indonesia this week to discuss mutual cooperation in managing maritime threats and improving regional security.

“Indonesia and Australia share a maritime border and that means we share security interests.

“The Gillard Government is working with our neighbours to achieve the greatest possible safety and security at sea in the interests of all our citizens,” Mr O’Connor said.

Indonesia’s Maritime Security Board, Bakorkamla, will receive A$200,000 from the Gillard Government to host a multilateral maritime security desktop exercise and law of the sea course in Jakarta in May.

Bakorkamla will invite maritime security organisations from ten regional countries to participate in the desktop exercise and training. The desktop exercise and law of the sea course will be facilitated by the University of Wollongong’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security.

The Gillard Government has also contributed A$2 million for a maritime radio communication network to help combat maritime threats and transnational crime.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System will allow additional coverage in waters north of Australia from May this year.

The new network will expand operations to Regional Coordination Centres in Merauke in Papua and Tual, which is north east of Darwin.

“The VHF radio network provides greater reception of radio transmissions and can monitor maritime radio messages from anywhere within the archipelago,” Mr O’Connor said.

“With better monitoring, Indonesian authorities can deploy resources more swiftly and efficiently, potentially stopping crime and saving lives,” he said.

The two initiatives will foster greater collaboration between maritime security agencies and boost their critical role in preventing the unlawful movement of people and goods across borders.

“Australia and Indonesia are working together to protect and police our adjoining waters to ensure the safety and security of the people of both our nations.

“Australia’s investments will help combat transnational crimes across our region, including people smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal foreign fishing,” Mr O’Connor said.

Media Adviser:
Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 [email protected]