Mr KIELY - 2001-10-17
In light of the recent attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the suspected biological anthrax attacks occurring in various parts of the United States, what steps has the NT government taken to prevent or limit the incidence of such an occurrence here, and how well equipped are we to deal with a terrorist attack in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, sadly, a very relevant question. I think we have all watched or listened over the last few days to the scares about anthrax right around the world. As we are all aware, the hideous terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September has changed the world’s security environment. All honourable members would have seen reports in the last several days on suspicious mail and packages received in Australia and which, of course, are associated with the US anthrax scare. I want to inform honourable members of the Territory’s response to the potential mail- and packages-borne threat.
In terms of the national response, the Prime Minister and others, of his ministers, have stated that the threat to Australia is low but that vigilance is required. We have all seen the dramatic footage of the hazardous materials response units at work in Sydney and Melbourne, and other places as well. Happily not one mail or package item to date has proved an actual hazard.
Here in the Territory there has been suspicious mail from the Middle East received in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. All of those letters have been inspected and, once again, thankfully, all harmless.
Our police have issued a public statement - which they did late on Monday - about the suspicious mail, and they did that for two reasons. Firstly, to alert Territorians that we were not immune to letter- or package-borne terrorist acts; and secondly, to advise the public that the threat is low, and that while people handling letters and packages should be vigilant, there was no need to be overly concerned or frightened. I can only repeat those sentiments.
The police have also advised the public of letter or package features, which the public should watch out for, and how to treat a suspicious item. The advice is not to open the item, to seal it securely in two plastic bags and then take it to the nearest police station. In terms of our public sector, detailed procedures were issued late yesterday to all staff. The Territory has the capability to respond to the various scenarios presented by mail- or package-borne hazardous substances, with the fire service obviously dealing with any larger incidents such as a significant chemical or gas hazard.
In any unlikely event of an anthrax attack in the Territory, our health services are well equipped. Anthrax is easily treated with antibiotics. Even the more severe infection through inhalation rather than skin contact can be treated effectively if picked up early enough. We saw a greater level of preparedness in Australia before the Olympics last year, and we certainly have a much better capacity to respond to biological attacks.
I must reiterate, the threat to the Territory is low, thankfully, but vigilance must be exercised and the Territory has the capability to respond to mail- or package-borne threats.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, sadly, a very relevant question. I think we have all watched or listened over the last few days to the scares about anthrax right around the world. As we are all aware, the hideous terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September has changed the world’s security environment. All honourable members would have seen reports in the last several days on suspicious mail and packages received in Australia and which, of course, are associated with the US anthrax scare. I want to inform honourable members of the Territory’s response to the potential mail- and packages-borne threat.
In terms of the national response, the Prime Minister and others, of his ministers, have stated that the threat to Australia is low but that vigilance is required. We have all seen the dramatic footage of the hazardous materials response units at work in Sydney and Melbourne, and other places as well. Happily not one mail or package item to date has proved an actual hazard.
Here in the Territory there has been suspicious mail from the Middle East received in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. All of those letters have been inspected and, once again, thankfully, all harmless.
Our police have issued a public statement - which they did late on Monday - about the suspicious mail, and they did that for two reasons. Firstly, to alert Territorians that we were not immune to letter- or package-borne terrorist acts; and secondly, to advise the public that the threat is low, and that while people handling letters and packages should be vigilant, there was no need to be overly concerned or frightened. I can only repeat those sentiments.
The police have also advised the public of letter or package features, which the public should watch out for, and how to treat a suspicious item. The advice is not to open the item, to seal it securely in two plastic bags and then take it to the nearest police station. In terms of our public sector, detailed procedures were issued late yesterday to all staff. The Territory has the capability to respond to the various scenarios presented by mail- or package-borne hazardous substances, with the fire service obviously dealing with any larger incidents such as a significant chemical or gas hazard.
In any unlikely event of an anthrax attack in the Territory, our health services are well equipped. Anthrax is easily treated with antibiotics. Even the more severe infection through inhalation rather than skin contact can be treated effectively if picked up early enough. We saw a greater level of preparedness in Australia before the Olympics last year, and we certainly have a much better capacity to respond to biological attacks.
I must reiterate, the threat to the Territory is low, thankfully, but vigilance must be exercised and the Territory has the capability to respond to mail- or package-borne threats.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016