Government

What are Governments Doing?

Australian governments are working together to achieve a coordinated approach in addressing issues associated with chemicals that are of concern to security in Australia. In October 2008, COAG agreed to establish a Chemical Security Management Framework.

• Intergovernmental Agreement
• National Government Advisory Group on Chemical Security
• National Industry Reference Group on Chemical Security
• International
  

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Intergovernmental Agreement

An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) titled An Agreement on Australia’s National Arrangements for the Management of Security Risks Associated with Chemicals was signed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in October 2008.

The IGA defines the governance arrangements for coordinating and implementing the Chemical Security Management Framework.

The IGA outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Australian governments in developing and implementing appropriate and nationally consistent actions for chemical security.

National Government Advisory Group on Chemical Security

The National Government Advisory Group (NGAG) has been set up to help Australian governments achieve a coordinated approach in implementing a program around chemicals of security concern.

NGAG members include senior representatives from agencies responsible for policy development, regulation and the police.

The responsibilities of the NGAG can be found in the IGA.

National Industry Reference Group on Chemical Security

Australian governments are working with industry through the National Industry Reference Group (NIRG).

The role of the NIRG is to provide industry advice and assistance to Australian governments through the NGAG. Advice provided to the NIRG will assist in any response required to chemicals of security concern identified during risk assessment.

The responsibilities of the NIRG can be found in the IGA.

International

Australian governments are engaged internationally with countries including the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Canada that have similar security concerns regarding the misuse of chemicals by terrorists.

These countries have developed voluntary and mandatory measures to address risks posed by chemicals of security concern. International experience will be valuable in the development of proportionate mitigation measures should they be required.