Australia's response to the threat of global terrorism is a test of resolve

Australia has put in place a network of bilateral counter terrorism Memoranda of Understanding with nine countries in the region - to underpin practical cooperation. Our MOU with Indonesia, for example, provided the basis for the excellent cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian police forces in the aftermath of the Bali and JW Marriot (Jakarta) bombings which has helped hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Australia recognises that helping countries to develop their own capabilities to fight terrorism is as important as operational-level cooperation. Australia is contributing A$38.3 million over five years to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation which will help build regional counter-terrorism capabilities as well as provide a hub of practical expertise which can respond to particular terrorist threats or incidents.

Australia's counter-terrorism efforts in the Asia Pacific draw upon and complement the broader international coalition against terrorism. And, importantly, Australia remains firmly committed to working within the United Nations on terrorism. The UN has a critical role to play in setting and monitoring international standards against terrorism, and preventing the financing of terrorism.

And in the war against terrorism Australia must not downgrade our most important alliance - with the United States. That alliance is more important to us today that it has been for a generation. Australians must ask themselves this: would they feel more secure in the war against terrorism if we downgraded our alliance with America? Is this really the time in our history to weaken those ties which have given us such security for so long? Through the alliance, vast resources are exploited for the protection of all Australians. But we cannot expect to have a meaningful alliance with the US if we are not prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with it in the War on Terrorism.

We all want a world free of terrorism. But we will not attain this without tough and sustained action. Unity and cooperation are the keys and we must put past political differences aside. The War against Terrorism is a war Australia did not choose. It is a war we cannot win by retreating into a false fortress at home. Rather, we will work alongside our allies and regional partners in this solemn endeavour. Because this is a war we must win for ourselves...and for our vision of a tolerant, free and democratic world.