Australia is demonstrating its strong commitment to halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction by contributing to a Singapore-hosted Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercise this week.
Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill and Justice and Customs Minister Senator Chris Ellison welcomed the PSI exercise which runs until August 19, and will include a maritime interdiction scenario.
The Proliferation Security Initiative is a global framework which aims to prevent the proliferation and trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials and equipment.
The Royal Australian Navy’s largest vessel HMAS WESTRALIA, the Australian Customs Vessel Hervey Bay and a specialised Customs boarding and search team will be involved in this exercise – called Exercise DEEP SABRE.
Australia will participate in the exercise alongside other international PSI partners including Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. HMAS WESTRALIA will perform the role as one of the notional ‘target’ vessels suspected of transporting WMD material.
"Australia is a strong supporter and active participant in the PSI," said Defence Minister Robert Hill.
"Exercises like DEEP SABRE are designed to ensure Australia and other regional PSI countries can work together effectively to track and intercept WMD shipments.
"I strongly encourage regional countries to support the PSI as a practical means to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction."
Senator Ellison said this is the first time a Customs vessel has participated in a PSI exercise overseas and it provides an important opportunity for Customs personnel to test their skills alongside international agencies as part of the joint training exercise.
"Customs has excellent relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. Its participation in this exercise sends a strong signal it is well prepared to help meet threats of this nature in our own waters," Senator Ellison said.
Australia led the first PSI interdiction exercise, Pacific Protector 03, in the Coral Sea in September 2003 and hosted a meeting of PSI Operational Experts in Sydney last December.
