Fed: Pine Gap laws to be strengthened

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2008
Fed: Pine Gap laws to be strengthened

CANBERRA, Dec 3 AAP - The federal government is strengthening laws to protect the top
secret Pine Gap spy facility which has been the target of protesters.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon told parliament on Wednesday that the base, located
in central Australia, had made an important contribution to the security of Australia
and the United States.

It collected intelligence by technical means and has the ability to provide early warning
of ballistic missiles.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the new measure would strengthen the government's ability to prosecute
anyone who broke into the base by declaring it a special defence undertaking.

This would remove the opportunity for argument about the validity of a ministerial
declaration that was required under the old laws.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the change would "deter mischief-makers and those with more sinister intent".

AAP dw/kms/imc

KEYWORD: PINE GAP

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.