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Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC; Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw, APM; and Australian Border Force Commissioner, Michael Outram, APM, have hosted the inaugural Joint Heads of Pacific Security event in Brisbane.
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The conferencefacilitated strategic-level dialogue and demonstrated capabilities relevant to security agencies across the region.
The themes for the event focused on transnational, organised and serious crime, border security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
GEN Campbell opened the event by inviting partner nations to share their challenges and allow their collective experiences to be used to address concerns.
"While each country experiences different outcomes from the effects of common security challenges, what unites us is the desire for and commitment to sovereignty, independence, security and prosperity throughout the region," GEN Campbell said.
"The leaders in attendance at the inaugural Joint Heads of Pacific Security event are uniquely qualified to consider and address these challenges collaboratively, but importantly, tailor their solutions to the individual needs of their nation."
Commissioner Kershaw said the strong partnership the AFP has with its policing partners in the Pacific played an important role in combating transnational and serious and organised crime in the region.
"The Joint Heads of Pacific Security conference provides an important opportunity to collectively share our experiences and challenges with our partners in the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of our region," he said.
Commissioner Outram said the ABF continued to work collaboratively with Australian and other Pacific law enforcement agencies to contribute to regional security.
"The ABF is closely engaged in capability development across the Pacific, and we have made a concrete and visible commitment to delivering improved intelligence sharing between Pacific nations," he explained.
"We are brought together by our common goals, and a shared desire to foster ongoing security and prosperity in our region – with our borders as strategic national assets to be protected while enabling legitimate travel and trade."
The event is part of the Australian government’s Pacific Step-up and brings together the leaders of the Pacific security agencies to share perspectives on common security challenges.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
