/ 20 September 2005

Tight security for Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games organisers are treating recent terrorist threats against host city Melbourne as little more than rhetoric, despite outlining security plans that involve military aircraft, armed patrols and about 1 200 troops around venues.

Australia’s federal Attorney General Philip Ruddock, Victoria state police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and state Commonwealth Games Minister Justin Madden met 2006 Games officials on Tuesday to review security plans for the March 15 to 26 event.

”We are planning to deploy a [military] tactical assault group with appropriate support, including Black Hawk helicopters,” Ruddock told reporters. ”There will be a range of chemical, biological and radiological response assets.

”There’ll be a task force of about 1 200 [military] personnel to assist Victoria police with searching venues, operating vehicle checkpoints, responding to bomb threats, if any, and clearing any underwater aspects of venues and events.

”Helicopters, jets and ships will be available to counter specific threats, should they arise, including the capability to divert aircraft and intercept vessels at sea.”

Security for the Melbourne Games was reviewed after a purported al-Qaeda video tape delivered to United States television network ABC News earlier this month featured a masked man making terrorist threats against Los Angeles in California and Melbourne.

Ruddock said while the tape appeared to be authentic, ”that does not mean the statements in it are anything more than rhetoric”.

The Australian Defence Force will host a joint training exercise in Melbourne next month to prepare for the Games, while Victoria state has committed 13 000 police officers to the event.

Victoria state Premier Steve Bracks said the security is appropriate and necessary.

”You will see the best possible security you have ever seen for the Commonwealth Games.”

Commonwealth Games Federation chief Michael Fennell told delegates at a meeting last week that he was confident about the security assurances given by Melbourne organisers.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is scheduled to open the Games officially during a five-day visit to Australia next March.

The Commonwealth Games, involving 53 countries formerly part of the British Empire, are held every four years.

Melbourne hosts many of Australia’s highest-profile sports events, including the Australian Open tennis tournament, the formula-one grand prix, the Melbourne Cup — Australasia’s premier horse race — as well as regular cricket internationals. — Sapa-AP