August 20, 2015

UOW in maritime border security partnership

Partnership to promote and enhance border security in Australia and our region.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on maritime border security in Australia’s region was yesterday (19 August) signed between the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the University of Wollongong (UOW).

Under the terms of the partnership, research undertaken by the University’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) will support the development of a world-leading curriculum to facilitate intensive training in maritime enforcement, civil maritime security policy development, research, and regional capacity building.

The MoU was officially signed in Canberra by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Peter Dutton, MP, and UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE. UOW’s Brand Ambassador, cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist, AM, was also in attendance.

Mr Dutton said that the Government was proud to partner with Australian academic institutions to promote and enhance border security in Australia and our region.

“The Australian Border Force is a world-leading border protection and law enforcement body, and partnerships such as these will ensure it keeps the capability edge,” Mr Dutton said.

“This Memorandum of Understanding will provide a framework for my Department to work with ANCORS on academic maritime security initiatives and directed research. It will also promote best-practice maritime security competency and knowledge.”

ANCORS is a specialist research and academic provider in the field of civil maritime security, Law of the Sea and fisheries management and has educated naval and coast guard officers from more than 20 countries.

Photo caption: Holding the signed partnership agreement are the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Peter Dutton, MP, and UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE. UOW’s Brand Ambassador, cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist, AM, (far right) was among guests attending the Memorandum of Understanding ceremony.