19 March 2013
Australia and the United States have joined forces to co-host an international workshop in Washington DC today to tackle the emerging threat from online extremism.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC opened the workshop via video link.
“The online environment presents law and policy makers, our intelligence agencies and law enforcement officials with significant challenges,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“But it also provides us with opportunities to engage directly with our own communities and a worldwide audience, to challenge those who seek to hijack the online world with a hate filled and violent narrative.”
The workshop is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing collaborative efforts to develop global approaches to countering violent extremism and was also attended by high-level representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands.
Attendees discussed the current and emerging threat environment and shared proactive approaches to addressing the continually evolving issue of online radicalisation.
The workshop reflects our commitment to the US-Australia Joint Statement on Countering Transnational Crime, Terrorism and Violent Extremism, which underscores cooperation to combat terrorist and criminal threats.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said during her visit to Australia last year, “By enhancing collaboration between our two countries, we will continue to work together to develop a cooperative and global approach to the challenges and threats we all face.”
The Australian Government’s countering violent extremism strategy aims to identify and support vulnerable people to reject violent extremism, build resilient communities, challenge extremist messages and provide alternative messages.
The Government has contributed more than $4 million to Australian community organisations that foster social cohesion and build resilience to violent extremism under the Building Community Resilience Grants program.
More information about the Government’s countering violent extremism work can be found at www.resilientcommunities.gov.au
