The Australian Government will undertake a comprehensive review of homeland and border security arrangements in Australia.
The Homeland and Border Security Review is part of the Government's commitment to carefully examine the need for change in our homeland and border security arrangements.
The Review will consider the roles, responsibilities and functions of departments and agencies involved in homeland and border security. The Review will also consider possible changes to optimise the coordination and effectiveness of our homeland and border security efforts.
Mr Ric Smith AO PSM will conduct this Review. Mr Smith was the Secretary of the Department of Defence from 2002 to 2006. Prior to this, Mr Smith was Australia's Ambassador to Indonesia and also to the People's Republic of China. Mr Ric Smith is a highly experienced and qualified person to lead this important high level review.
The Review will draw on expertise from across Australian Government agencies with responsibility for homeland and border security. The Review will report by 30 June 2008.