066/05
1 June 2005
Minister to address APEC on telecommunications security
Issues such as spam, spyware, consumer protection and the remote management of infrastructure are priorities for nations attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) telecommunications forum.
Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan will represent Australia in Lima, Peru from June 1-3 at the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APEC TEL6) meeting.
“One of the strengths of the APEC TEL is the practical nature of its work,” Senator Coonan said.
“My presentation will focus on some of the key areas where the Australian Government is making progress and where the APEC TEL could usefully concentrate its future activities.
“The Australian Government has taken a comprehensive approach to securing the online environment that includes legislation, industry codes of practice, technical measures and public education.”
The APEC TEL was formed in 1990 as a working group to deal with telecommunications and information industry issues.
The forum is committed to improving regional telecommunications and information infrastructure and to facilitating effective cooperation, free trade and investment and sustainable development.
“ Australia regards the APEC TEL as an important way to move forward for the region and for international communications generally,” Senator Coonan said.
“It has proven effective for exchanging information, consulting on policy and regulatory developments, capacity building and developing cooperative projects.
“We are committed to building international links and working with APEC members to build best practice in e-security and secure infrastructure management.
“I look forward to sharing information on the Australian experience in managing spam and spyware issues through legislation, cooperation with industry and education of consumers and the Australian view on the challenges ahead.”
See www.dcita.gov.au/ie/e-security/links for more information on the APEC TEL.