Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular
Identifier:
C2003-03
Status:
Archived

C2003-03 Procedures for Reporting Security Incidents

Detailed Outline

Since September 11, 2001 Australia's counter terrorism level of alert has been "Special CT Risk". This has led to a heightened awareness across the community in relation to issues of security.

The New South Wales Government has established a Cabinet Standing Committee on Counter Terrorism chaired by the Premier and a Chief Executive Officers' Counter Terrorism Group chaired by the Director General of the Premier's Department.

In addition, the Government has established a Police Counter Terrorism Coordination Command and supplemented the powers of the Police in relation to terrorism. The Terrorism [Police Powers] Act, 2002 confers power upon Police to search premises, individuals, properties and vehicles and to cordon off areas under particular circumstances.

The State Emergency Management Committee has established a special project group to consider the protection of critical infrastructure and icons such as major public buildings, structures and services. The Commonwealth and other State/Territory Governments are also reviewing their arrangements in this regard.

The Commonwealth Government has also initiated an education campaign to further increase public vigilance in relation to terrorism and this has led to an increase in the number of reports being received by public sector agencies in respect of situations involving possible security considerations.

The New South Wales Police have the operational responsibility for counter terrorism and will investigate all aspects of terrorist activity, threats and incidents. The Police also have a significant role in determining prevention strategies to deter possible terrorist incidents.

In the current climate it is essential to ensure that all information involving security considerations is dealt with in a uniform and appropriate manner. Accordingly, where an agency receives information the following procedures are to apply:

Verbal Information

If the caller indicates that an incident is currently taking place, the caller or agency should contact the Police by dialling 000 immediately;

In the case of a threat by telephone, the person receiving the call is to record as much information as is possible and then to urgently contact the NSW Police direct on telephone number 1.800.333.000 and the Chief Executive of the agency concerned;

If the information involves a bomb threat, it is important that any standing procedures in place for dealing with such threats are closely followed in securing information from the caller;

If information is being given by other than a person conveying a threat, the person conveying the information is to be asked to contact the NSW Police;

If that person is unwilling to make direct contact the agency receiving the information should record as much detail as possible and pass the information to the Police by telephone and to the Chief Executive of the agency concerned without delay;

In all cases, where a CEO judges it necessary to inform his or her minister, such information is to include the advice that the matter has been reported to the NSW Police who are assessing the veracity of the information with a view to determining what operational response, if any, will be taken;

If the Police determine that the information is credible and a threat exists they will immediately advise the Premier's Department and all other appropriate organisations.

The Premier's Department will alert the Premier.

Written Information

In the event that written information, including emails, is received the advice and the envelope [if applicable] is to be immediately sealed in an envelope and the NSW Police Counter Terrorism Command notified by telephone on 9956 4599. The Police will advise on what action should then be taken for them to take delivery of the material.

It is essential that the correct procedures are followed in all incidents that involve the current security arrangements. This will ensure that the information is directed to the appropriate authorities and remove the possibility for conflicting or confusing advice across the various areas of government.

C Gellatly
Director General

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Superseded by C2004-21

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jun 13, 2014
Review Date
Jun 13, 2024
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet