Defence tight-lipped over base security

(AAP) - The Department of Defence has refused to say whether a review of security at major defence bases, ordered in the wake of a foiled terrorist attack plot last month, has identified any shortcomings.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ordered the review after five men were arrested on August
4 in relation to an alleged terrorist plot to launch a suicide attack on Sydney's
Holsworthy army base.
A Defence spokeswoman confirmed the review had resulted in a number of
recommendations but said that it would be inappropriate to discuss specific security
measures.
The recommendations were being considered by Defence and the federal government.
"Defence is considering whether details of the report are releasable due to their
sensitive, security-related nature," she said.
While the review was underway, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
(ICAC) launched an investigation into allegations that a Sydney training company had
sold qualifications for people to work as security guards without requiring them to
do the necessary training.
Many guards with qualifications issued by such private training schools work at
defence bases around Sydney.
The spokeswoman said Defence's protective security contracts required contractors to
provide guards that met state and territory licensing regulations.
Guards located at more sensitive sites had to undergo a higher standard of security
checking, including a requirement for security clearances issued by Defence, she
said.
"In light of the information regarding the Roger Training Authority and the NSW
Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations into potential corrupt
conduct of some persons, Defence and its prime contractors are currently
investigating this matter," she said.
"Where contracted security companies have identified staff that received
competencies through training providers identified in NSW ICAC investigations, they
have re-assessed those staff to ensure they meet relevant competency requirements."
The spokeswoman said the NSW Security Industry Registry had confirmed that officers
certified by the Roger Training Academy, including guards responsible for operating
access gates, had up-to-date qualifications and no action was warranted.