Media Statement - 3rd July 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the participation of over 100 Australian companies in the Register of Australian Interests Overseas.
"The Register helps protect Australian assets and personnel by keeping track of where public and private sector interests are located around the world," Mr McClelland said.
The Register was developed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC) to provide greater connectivity to Australia's intelligence community and enable more targeted security advice.
The Register allows Australian companies to record the location details of their overseas staff and facilities through a secure website so that in the event of a security situation, the Government is able to identify Australian interests within the vicinity.
This will mean that where a threat is serious, credible and imminent companies directly affected can be contacted by the Government as part of an overall emergency response.
"I thank all those companies that have already shown their support for this important initiative and would strongly encourage other Australian companies with overseas interests to register."
Companies wishing to register may contact ASIO's Business Liaison Unit on (02) 6234 1668 or blu@asio.gov.au.