AG seeks feedback on Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern

The Attorney-General’s department is seeking feedback on the draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern.

It’s unfortunate that many of the chemicals that we use every day have also been used in terrorist attacks around the world, such as those in Bali, London, Mumbai and more recently in Oslo.

In Australia, individuals have been arrested after attempting to procure chemicals that police believe were going to be used to manufacture homemade explosives.

Businesses and Australian governments need to work together to detect and prevent the use of chemicals for terrorist purposes and ensure a safer Australia.  Australian businesses play a critical role in achieving that by managing security risks as part of good business practice. It also helps keep Australia a great place to do business.

Australian governments are now pursuing a voluntary code of practice for businesses that manage, handle or use products containing 11 chemicals that are precursors to homemade explosives. The voluntary code will seek to make these chemicals more secure and ensure the safety of the community.

The Attorney-General’s department is seeking feedback on the draft code of practice. Feedback will shape the final version of the code and ensure that it can be easily understood and effectively used by businesses.

To download the draft code of practice and to find out how to make a submission, visit www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au/PublicConsultation.

The consultation closes on 1 March 2013.