In the backdrop of the detention of an Indian doctor in Brisbane in connection with the failed UK terror plots, Australian Prime Minister John Howard has said the country's border security system will be upgraded to block entry to those with terrorist and criminal connections.
New computer software would link Australia's spy agency ASIO with the Immigration Department, he was quoted as saying by The Age daily. He said this would greatly enhance the nation's ability to block entry to undesirables, especially those with terrorist and criminal connections.
"These new resources... give us extraordinary additional capacity to drill down into the backgrounds of people who seek to come to Australia," Howard said.
Howard said the introduction of the new border security system had been accelerated by the recent link of Australia to
the UK bombing attempts.
Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef was detained and five other questioned in Australia over the failed UK plots.
The new system would start being used for visa applicants in September, Howard said. "(It) will use methods of
collating, and connectivity of data and behaviour, and patterns of travel and behaviour, which has not previously
been possible," he said.
The new measures will include, among other techniques, matching movement and financial data with associations a
person may have overseas or in Australia to provide a more comprehensive picture and targeted security advice.
Additional resources would be provided to both the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and ASIO this
financial year to support this important step forward in controlling Australia's borders, Howard said.
