Howard pledges anti-terror squad

Security is a top election issue

Australian prime minister John Howard has proposed creating anti-terrorist police squads as he continues his campaign for re-election next month.

He said the teams could be sent to neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia or the Philippines, with the approval of the governments concerned.

Security is a key issue in election, following the bombing this month of Australia's Jakarta embassy.

The opposition Labour Party has also proposed upping maritime surveillance.

Pre-emptive strikes

Mr Howard said six teams comprising specialist investigators and experts in forensics and explosives at a cost of A$100m ($70m) would be established if he wins the election on 9 October.

Two of the units would be located in south-east Asia, while the others would be based in Canberra and ready to fly out to other countries in the region at short notice.

We will ensure that we take every measure possible to disrupt and destroy the terrorist networks at their source. John Howard

Mr Howard said the plan would build on his government's "excellent record of co-operation" with its neighbours, especially Indonesia, where Australian police officers have been based since the Bali night-club bombings in 2002, in which nearly 90 Australians were killed.

Mr Howard has also reiterated a pledge to launch pre-emptive strikes against foreign extremists as a last resort to protect Australia.

"We will not wait for a terrorist threat to eventuate before we take action," he said in a statement.

"In close co-operation with our regional neighbours we will ensure that we take every measure possible to disrupt and destroy the terrorist networks at their source."

The opposition Labour Party's plan to boost maritime surveillance, includes deploying new fleets of helicopters and boats crewed by armed marshals.

The party's leader Mark Latham rejected the use of pre-emptive strikes, saying Australia needed to do "things in co-operation with our neighbours."