Anthony Byrne (Holt, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

We will deal with your questions when we can.

Its role is to develop, to provide advice on, to coordinate and to integrate comprehensive whole-of-government national security policy and to provide strategic oversight in its implementation. This includes liaison with relevant departments and agencies at all levels of government; coordination and integration of national security policy; coordination of national security advice to the Prime Minister and to the NSC; oversight of the whole-of-government implementation of the government’s national security policy; and an increase of focus and insight on emerging issues that may impact on national security.

A key priority of the Office of National Security is to develop the National Security Statement, to outline a holistic approach to national security. The role of the ONS may further evolve following the implementation of any government response to the Homeland and Border Security Review. The ONS builds on the previous National Security Division, which was created by the Howard government. ONS retains all the roles of the National Security Division while increasing its focus on emerging national security challenges, including international security stabilisation and capacity-building operations in fragile and failed states; economic, resources and trade security; impacts of climate change and environmental issues; and security. (Time expired)

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