3 Feb 2004

Australia to set up flying police squad for international efforts such as PNG and the Solomons

8:35 am on 3 February 2004

The Australian Government says a 500-strong flying squad of Australian police will be set up to take part in international efforts to stabilise nations at risk.

The Prime Minister John Howard said yesterday an international deployment group would be formed within the Australian Federal Police.

He says they will have a permanent responsibility to take part in overseas deployments, such as Australia's recent action in Solomon Islands and the impending deployment to Papua New Guinea.

Mr Howard says the force, which would comprise officers recruited from the federal police, Australian Protective Service and state police agencies, would have an important role in Australia's overseas responsibilities.

The Australian Associated Press quotes Mr Howard as saying the people involved will have the fulltime responsibility of taking part in international deployments.