Portfolio Budget Information Kit
Media releases
1. Customs and Fisheries: Armed patrols to protect Australia's Southern Ocean interest - 11 May 2004The Australian Government has today announced the expected cost of armed patrols of the Southern Ocean designed to better protect Australia's sovereign interests and valuable fish resources.
The Australian Government will commit a total of $9.7 million in 2004-05 towards developing biometric technology to combat identity fraud at Australia's borders.
The Government is demonstrating its continuing commitment to national security by boosting ASIO's funding and further increasing ASIO's ability to protect the Australian community against terrorist threats. New funding is being made available for increased staffing and capabilities and for capacity building in the region.
The Howard Government has again supported the crime-fighting capabilities of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) both in Australia and overseas, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.
The Australian Government will provide $1.621 billion in additional funding over five years for initiatives in the Attorney-General, Justice and Customs portfolio.
The Australian Government continues to ensure that legal representation is available to Australians in need, by supporting legal aid through the provision of $52.7 million additional funds over four years, including $1.3 million for program administration.
The Government has delivered further on its strong response to the terrorist threat by committing an additional $754.5 million over five years to national security initiatives to protect the Australian community.
The Howard Government's tough and unwavering commitment to securing Australia's borders will continue through 2004-05, with the allocation of an extra $107.6 million to the Australian Customs Service, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.
The Australian community will get strong support from the Howard Government for their efforts to cut the impact of crime through a new grassroots funding programme as part of the 2004-05 Budget, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.
Australia's fight against terrorist financing and money laundering will gain new momentum from extra funding announced in the 2004-05 Budget, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.
Critical infrastructure is those facilities and supply, information and communications networks that are essential for Australia's social and economic well-being and our national security. It includes energy and water, communications, food supply, health, transport, banking, industry, key government services and national icons.
Migration cases will be handled more quickly and efficiently with the provision of $34.2 million over four years in the 2004-05 Budget to enable eight additional magistrates to be appointed to the Federal Magistrates Court.
The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, and the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced funding of $84.8 million for Australian Government security services and support for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth (M2006) Games.
Information fact sheets
Continuing unrest in Iraq, instability in the South West Pacific and the recent bombings in Spain serve as a timely reminder of the continuing threat posed by terrorism. The Coalition Government continues to strengthen Australia's counter-terrorism capabilities with new resources and capabilities across Government, including extensive commitments in the Attorney-General's portfolio.
The 2004-05 Budget provides the Attorney-General's portfolio with additional funding to implement a range of strategic national security measures. This will continue to improve Australia's capacity to deal with the threat of terrorism and builds on the extensive work already underway.
The 2004-05 Budget continues the Australian Government's commitment to provide a wide range of measures to ensure the smooth operation of legal services. Significant funds are allocated to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of migration litigation processes. In addition, the Government is providing additional funds for legal aid in Commonwealth matters and is contributing to Australia's wider responsibilities in the operation of the International Criminal Court.
Funds in the 2004-05 Budget build on our current successful border protection strategies as well as consolidating Australia's position as a world-leader in using new technologies to protect our borders.
The Australian Government will continue to provide assistance to countries in the region through a range of programs that will assist with law enforcement, the administration of justice and the enhancement of good governance. The package will strengthen police intelligence gathering and law enforcement, broaden counter-terrorism, and undertake law and justice and financial intelligence activities.
New measures in the 2004-05 Budget will allow funding for a new National Community Crime Prevention Programme providing community grants for grass roots projects. In addition, Budget 2004-05 will allow the continuation of the excellent work being done by our crime fighting agencies, including the Australian Federal Police.