Australia’s Ex-ambassador To Indonesia Named As New Anti-Terror Coordinator; Foreign Minister Takes A Cue From Western Countries

The former ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty has been appointed as Australia's first anti-terrorism coordinator.

Before his four years tenure as an ambassador in Indonesia, Mr. Moriarty had been Australia's ambassador to Iran for three years. He also served the country as an intelligence analyst. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it would be a "beefed-up role" to operate across the board in Australia's security organisations, so according to Mr. Abbott, the diplomat must stay “ahead of this game.”

"[Mr Moriarty] will not be directing the operations of the agency, of any particular agency, but he will have authority across agencies to ensure that all of the agencies are pulling together when it comes to this vital national security challenge. "We must constantly evolve to meet an evolving terror threat and that's what today's announcements are all about," said Mr. Abbott.

Meanwhile, Mr. Moriarty sounded confident about his new responsibilities, said, he will surely develop great relationships with the intelligence and security agencies.

Serious About Counterterrorism Laws

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed that Justice Minister Michael Keenan has been handed a new portfolio as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counterterrorism. The Federal Government is also working on a plan to take away Australian citizenships from those involved with terrorism related activities.

The U.K. had already taken citizenships away from those promoting or supporting terror activities, said Ms. Bishop, while countries like Canada and the U.S. are also considering it, she added.

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