SYDNEY (AAP)

NSW Premier Morris Iemma has announced new counter-terrorism measures, including an alert system able to send text messages to all mobile phones in a suspected target zone.Speaking at the National Security Australia forum in Sydney, Mr Iemma promised to boost counter-terrorism measures in NSW if re-elected at the March 24 election.An extra 110 police would be added to the NSW counter-terrorism forces bringing the unit size to 600 officers, Mr Iemma said.

A state-of-the-art "early warning" phone messaging system also would be introduced allowing emergency services to send SMS alerts to all mobile phones in a terrorism target zone.The system would work across all phone networks, Mr Iemma said."The alert service can be used to warn people of an emergency or terrorist threat and provide evacuation information, bushfire advice, or alternate routes to avoid emergencies," he told the forum.Mr Iemma also committed $5 million to establish new counter-terrorism measures on the rail network, including technology able to detect small traces of chemical or biological agents in the air.

New penalties also would be introduced for supplying explosives, and new digital technology would be purchased with assistance from the commonwealth to help emergency services plan security operations, Mr Iemma said."The evil face of terrorism is constantly changing, and we must always be ready with new and expanded services, laws and equipment," Mr Iemma said.
(26/02/2007 10:35:51 AM)