Police Service moving to boost anti-terrorist investigative and intelligence-gathering capability

21/11/02
The Western Australian Police Service is moving to strengthen its anti-terrorism capabilities.
Premier Geoff Gallop said the creation of a specialist investigative and intelligence-gathering unit to combat terrorism in WA was a priority following high-level talks between the WA Police Service and the Australian Federal Police.
Dr Gallop said calls for a dedicated paramilitary counter-terrorist group were misplaced.
"The Tactical Response Group already gives our police service a specialist counter-terrorist operational capability that is second to none," he said.
"In fact, the TRG contains well in excess of the required number of officers trained in counter-terrorism techniques under a national agreement.
"Police are now keen to boost their investigative and intelligence-gathering capabilities to combat any potential terrorist threat within our State.
"They are not seeking to replicate the intelligence-gathering capabilities of existing security agencies such as ASIO, but rather to complement them."
The Premier said the Police Service and the AFP were currently working out the new unit's operational details. However, it was likely to include both State and Federal officers.
Meantime, Dr Gallop has urged the Opposition to support the Government in pushing special legislation designed to assist the Commonwealth combat terrorism through Parliament before the end of the year.
"The State Terrorism (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2002 will ensure the Federal Government has all the power it needs to outlaw terrorist activities," he said.
"It is vital we pass this legislation as quickly as possible to ensure there are no gaps or loopholes between State and Commonwealth laws that could frustrate efforts to prosecute suspect terrorists."
Premier's office: 9222 9475