Top cop Nick Kaldas backs Homeland security counter-terrorism shake-up

FORMER deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas has thrown his support behind the federal government’s plans for a Homeland security style ­department to fight terrorism.

Former deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas will be a keynote speaker at today’s Safeguarding Australia conference. Picture: Richard Dobson

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FORMER deputy police commissioner Nick Kaldas has thrown his support behind the federal government’s plans for a Homeland security style ­department to fight terrorism.

He has also called for a shake-up to Australia’s approach to national security, claiming we are not keeping up with the rest of the world in our approach to terrorism.

“It may well be time to look at a more comprehensive, overarching homeland security framework. Australia is ­falling  behind  other countries, and more innovation is ­required,’’ Mr Kaldas will say in a presentation to the ­Safeguarding Australia international conference in Canberra.

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service forces advance towards Sekak in western Mosul on April 11 during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State jihadists. Picture: AFP Photo/Ahmad Al-Rubaye

It is expected he will outline what he believes needs to be done to make sure Australia keeps up with the latest methods and policies to fight the ongoing threat of terrorism. “The message being, we will not be an easy target,” he will say.

Mr Kaldas will also say a more effective private-public engagement is needed with ­information sharing and funding for research and resources.

Then-Acting NSW Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas. The former senior cop has a considerable reputation in counter-terrorism circles. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Kaldas has spent 12 months overseas working for the UN and observing first-hand the anti-terror security measures around the western world and the Middle East.

Another keynote speaker at the conference, Professor Babak Akhgar, will warn that most Australian security forces have little knowledge or capability to monitor terrorist and criminal activity on the Dark Web.

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Prof Akhgar, who runs an open source intelligence centre at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK helping educate law enforcement agencies, said many police still think it is illegal to use the Dark Web.

“Everyday we have different police forces coming to visit and ask is it OK to look at that. But as soon as you take them through the wall of the Dark Web it is like showing a kid candy,” Prof Akhgar said.

A choir sings at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney on December 15, 2016, during a public memorial for the two-year anniversary of the Lindt Cafe siege. Picture: AAP Image/Paul Miller

“There is a perception that it is illegal, but it was actually used to share scientific papers. But the bad guys are using it and if law enforcement can equip themselves with the knowledge of how to use it, they will be a step closer to catching terrorists.”

Prof Akhgar was speaking ahead of his appearance at the two-day Safeguarding Australia conference, which will feature a host of counter-terrorism and law ­enforcement experts from around the world.