O’Neill clarifies Apec security rules

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the Apec safety and security operation enters a draw-down period in mid-November and operations will cease by Dec 1.
His comments follow claims by Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch that the Government has voted for the Apec Security Act to be in operation until Dec 31, 2019.
Pruaitch also claims the statement by Apec Minister Justin Tkatchenko that it will only be in effect from Nov 9-19 is misleading.
O’Neill clarified that safety and security operations will cease less than two weeks after the last delegates depart our shores.
“Section 15 of the Apec Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill 2018 clearly states that the sunset is 1st December 2018.”
He said while the original Act in 2017 set an extended sunset, and after revision of security requirements this date was brought forward to Dec 1.
“Patrick Pruaitch was Treasurer when the original Act went to Parliament in April 2017, so he supported the original sunset.
“He is attacking his own decision as a member of NEC and government.”
O’Neill said the use of less than two weeks to conclude safety and security operations is standard for operations of this magnitude.
“The days after the conclusion of Apec will be used to de-brief personnel, draw-down assets and for the compilation of lessons learnt from the operation that will then be factored into planning for future national events.