Fed: Concerns over Army in Games played down

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2000
Fed: Concerns over Army in Games played down

The federal government is playing down concerns the Army could be called out during
the Olympics to help the New South Wales Police Service.

Defence Minister JOHN MOORE and Attorney-General DARYL WILLIAMS have issued a joint
statement saying legislation to be introduced this session will clarify a long-standing
issue for police and defence services.

They say new legislation will formalise arrangements which already allow the Army to
be called in by the states where necessary.

They say the new legislation will ensure defence forces can only be called out after
a series of steps.

These include the governor-general ordering the defence force to assist on the advice
of a special ministerial council and the declaration of a general security area by the
prime minister, defence minister and attorney-general.

AAP RTV sw/wz/jx/nf

KEYWORD: DEFENCE OLY (CANBERRA)

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