NZ anti-terrorism measures in place, says Helen Clark

By KEVIN TAYLOR, political reporter

New Zealand has not taken any special measures after the bombings in Madrid because it already has extra counter-terrorism capabilities in place following the September 11 attacks, Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday.

Australian authorities yesterday met to review public transport security arrangements.

Helen Clark's only action has been to express New Zealand's condolences to her Spanish counterpart, Jose Maria Aznar, who lost his job yesterday when his ruling Popular Party was voted out.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard yesterday ordered a meeting of his national counter-terrorist committee to review public transport security arrangements.

He said there was no direct link between the Madrid bombings and Australia but he could not guarantee there would be no terrorist attack.

"Every free Western country, and indeed many other societies, are vulnerable to terrorist attack and are potential targets."

Helen Clark said terrorism was "a feature of 21st century life" but European countries were more likely targets. But she said the Government had not undertaken any actions since the Madrid bombings because counter-terrorism capabilities had already been reviewed.

"We had a full review of security and counter-terrorism procedures here in the wake of September 11th.

"That has led us in each Budget to spend considerably more money ... on intelligence agencies, police counter-terrorism activities, border control and some Defence Force capacity as well. We keep that under ongoing review."

Asked if the Madrid bombings now made Australia a more realistic target she replied: "Not necessarily."

"I think that a European country is perhaps a more likely target because you've got bigger populations for groups like al Qaeda - if it was indeed al Qaeda - to slip into and not be noticed in.

"I think in Australia and New Zealand in some ways it's a bit harder."

Asked if an already-planned terrorism exercise to be held at the Beehive's underground bunker next week involving senior ministers and officials had now taken on any greater significance, she said such events were "all significant".

Meanwhile, new protests about New Zealand's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan are looming.

The protest group Peace Action Wellington said the Madrid bombing was a sober reminder that contributions to support the "invasion and occupation" of Iraq and Afghanistan would not be forgotten.

"New Zealand could well be the next target for a terrorist attack," said group member Valerie Morse. "It is foolish to talk of reconstruction when we are sending armed troops to both of these countries."

She said protest marches would be held throughout the country on Saturday to mark one year since the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Counter terrorism

2002 MEASURES:

* Plans for Defence Force chemical and biological terrorism unit unveiled.

* $2m Advance Passenger Screening (APS) plan announced to improve Immigration Service's ability to screen out "risk" travellers announced.

* Extra money given to Security Intelligence Service to increase staff numbers.

* Terrorism Suppression Act passed and Counter Terrorism Bill introduced, creating new terrorism offences and penalties.

2003 MEASURES:

* $7.8m extra in Budget to improve security for overseas diplomatic posts and establishment of Pacific Security Fund.

* Border Security Bill introduced to enhance Customs' ability to collect and analyse information about goods and people crossing borders.