ASIO raids led some to flee
By Darren Goodsir
April 3 2003
A top policeman has revealed that counter-terrorism authorities have been
"interfering" with the activities of "a handful" of
people to stem the growth of terrorist networks.
The head of the NSW Counter-Terrorism Co-ordination Command, Chief
Superintendent Norm Hazzard, yesterday told a meeting of security chiefs
that last year's police raids with the Australian Security Intelligence
Organisation had been productive and more were likely in future.
Although only one man, Jack Roche, had been arrested and charged after
the well-publicised ASIO raids, the operations had been fantastic
intelligence gathering exercises - and several people of interest had
either fled the nation or been expelled on immigration offences.
"A number of people have thought that this is not a very good place
to live in and have elected to leave the country by their own
accord," Mr Hazzard said. "There are [also] a number of people,
who have been taken to the airport and shown the door, because they did
not have the proper documentation to remain in this country."
Stressing that police had vastly different functions to ASIO - and needed
more information before obtaining search warrants - Mr Hazzard said the
recent creation of joint strike teams with federal police would soon
bring greater activity.
"We are going to identify those people we believe are a threat to
this country - and we will mount investigations into them," he said.
"We are doing what we believe is in the long-term interests of
national security."
Mr Hazzard's comments to security chiefs responsible for government
departments, critical infrastructure, airlines and banks come just days
after the former ASIO manager and Olympic security intelligence chief,
Neil Fergus, said the agency had identified seven "dangerous"
people in Sydney who had been warned they were being targeted.
Mr Hazzard's speech on NSW's upgraded counter-terrorism capabilities
noted he had developed a database enabling daily analysis of "every
piece" intelligence documented by field officers. This had added
rigour to investigations.
"A lot of it is chasing rabbits down holes," he said, but such
diligence was required for early detection.
On the orders of the Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, Mr Hazzard had
reviewed the state's terrorist capabilities.
Last year he recommended creating a dedicated command - with distinct
desks headed by an officer of inspector rank or above.
The command's divisions are: tactical intelligence, analysis,
investigations, counter-terrorism response, critical infrastructure
protection, consequence management, dignitary protection and public order
management.
The review also suggested buying equipment worth more than $17million,
mainly in enhanced bomb disposal technology, which was approved last
year.
Mr Hazzard said the Premier, Bob Carr - who set up a terrorism
sub-committee of cabinet - had taken a "hands-on" interest in
his command.
http://smh.com.au/articles/2003/04/02/1048962815475.html
