Attorney General partners with swimming pool industry to protect against terrorism

SPASA NSW has helped develop a podcast and video featuring the Australian Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, aimed at building vigilance and preventing chemicals being misused for terrorist purposes.

The podcast raises awareness of the security risks of everyday chemicals and urges members of the community to report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

SPASA NSW CEO, Spiros Dassakis and owner of Sydney’s oldest Pool Shop, Richard Dunn also contributed to the podcast.

The podcast is part of the Chemicals of Security Concern Campaign, a joint effort between the Australian Government, states and territories and industry.

“Information from the public and industry is vital to the counter-terrorism work of our policing and intelligence agencies,” says Attorney-General Nicola Roxon.

“We need the community, and retailers of chemicals, to report suspicious behaviour or unusual activity. If something doesn’t feel right, people should report their concerns to the National Security Hotline.”

The podcast and video can be found on the Chemical Security website at www.australia.gov.au/chemicalsecurity

SPASA NSW has represented the swimming pool and spa industry on the National Industry Reference Group on Chemical Security since 2009.

The role of this group is to provide industry advice and assistance to Australian governments to limit opportunities for, and enhance detection of, the misuse of chemicals for terrorist purposes. This is achieved through improvements in Australia’s regulation, monitoring, control, and education systems concerning such materials.

Copies of the DVD have been sent to all members in Australia via their local SPASA office. Alternatively, the Chemical Security Awareness DVD can be viewed online.