Fed: Military security review likely this week: Faulkner

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2009
Fed: Military security review likely this week: Faulkner

CANBERRA, Aug 11 AAP - The first part of a review into security at all Australian military
bases is likely to be completed this week, Defence Minister John Faulkner says.

The national security committee (NSC) of federal cabinet ordered the review last week,
a day after pre-dawn police raids in Victoria led to the arrest and charging of five men.

It is alleged the group was planning a suicide-shootout at Sydney's Holsworthy Barracks,
and were linked to the Somali-based terror group al-Shabaab.

Asked about the review, Senator Faulkner hinted it could be completed this week.

"The review is ongoing, the first part of the review I expect to be completed before
the end of this week," he told the Senate on Tuesday.

"I will have to make a decision, as will my NSC colleagues, about whether it's appropriate
to release the review or not."

Asked why the defence base threat level had not been increased, Senator Faulkner said
this was because Australia's national security threat level had not be raised.

"I certainly can say in relation to the national threat alert level that it has not
been raised," he said.

"It, of course, applies to defence establishments as it does to other arms of the government
and also the broader community."

AAP saj/rl/cdh

KEYWORD: TERROR FAULKNER

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