INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE REFERENCE GROUP ON CHEMICAL SECURITY
11 March 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today addressed the inaugural meeting of the National Industry Reference Group on Chemical Security.
The Reference Group was established to provide expert advice in the implementation of a Chemical Security Management Framework, which was agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in October last year.
Mr McClelland said, “the Rudd Government is committed to minimising the potential for chemicals to damage our community, our industry and our infrastructure.”
“The cooperative partnership that has been established between Federal, State and Territory Governments and private industry is a powerful tool to fight this threat.”
The Reference Group will undertake a range of tasks, including:
- undertaking security risk assessments of identified chemicals
- providing feedback on proposed risk mitigation measures
- developing security guidance materials for industry
- recommending industry capability building measures and
- developing a national community awareness program.
This work will be important in ensuring the effective and safe management of chemicals.
By addressing possible chemical threats, the work of the Reference Group represents a vital piece of Australia’s national security framework.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630
