AUSTRALIA HOSTS CONFERENCE ON BIO-TERRORISM MELBOURNE: 21 - 25 FEBRUARY 2005

KUALA LUMPUR 22 February 2005  - Australia is demonstrating its strong commitment to reducing the threat of bio-terrorism in the Asia Pacific region by holding an international workshop in Melbourne this week. Australia and Indonesia are co-hosting the workshop, which will focus on the Biological Weapons Convention.The workshop, the first of its kind in the region, was officially opened by Australian Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill, who said that Australia was determined to step-up its efforts even further this year to reduce the threat posed by these weapons.

The forum, attended by representatives of 12 Asia Pacific nations, will discuss practical ways to stamp out the proliferation of biological weapons. It also demonstrates the increasing cooperation between Australia and Indonesia on common security concerns.Malaysia will be represented at the workshop by Dr Zalini Yunus, Head of Human Factors at STRIDE, Dr R. Devan K. Ramu, Principal Assistant Director, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Ms Wong Mee-Choo, Principal Assistant Secretary, Multilateral Political Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Senator Hill said he would be looking critically at Australia's own preventative measures this year and would make it a priority to tighten Australia's export control procedures and systems where there may be gaps or weaknesses."I want to make sure our export control processes reflect the best possible practice and I have initiated a whole-of-government review of export control legislation," Senator Hill said."The Government is also reviewing legislation and developing proposals that will tighten controls on biological materials. We are examining existing codes of conduct for scientists and technologists with a view to strengthening them in line with the Biological Weapons Convention work program.

"The tragedies of SARS and Avian Flu have shown that diseases and pathogens do not respect borders. Whether they occur naturally, as in the case of SARS and Avian Flu, or as a result of a biological terrorist attack, in either case we must prepare and defend against them."Australia shares the concerns of other regional nations about the risk of bio terrorism and is active in international efforts to counter the proliferation of these dangerous weapons and the technologies to develop and deliver them.

"Senator Hill said regional countries should confront the threat by controls, while making sure they do not hamper the growth and sharing of scientific knowledge."There are increasing concerns about the possibility of terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction, including biological weapons. Removing the threat of terrorism, including bio-terrorism, is of vital importance to the region," he said "But preventing bio-terrorism and the proliferation of biological weapons cannot be tackled by any one country working in isolation. It requires a joint effort."Strengthening regional cooperation against biological weapons is an important priority.

"As bio technology advances and related information becomes more accessible, the risk of it being misused increases."Senator Hill said the Melbourne workshop discussed a range of options to enhance protection including developing relevant legislation, improving security and oversight of pathogens and toxins, and establishing effective codes of conduct for biological scientists.He said that Australia was at the forefront of efforts to prevent the spread of WMD.

Last year Sydney was the venue for an Asia Pacific Conference on Nuclear Safeguards and Security, and a meeting of nations participating in the Proliferation Security Initiative. Further key meetings were planned for later this year.