While crime is universal, some countries are better at exporting it than others. Resources for law enforcement are scarce in many source and transit countries, and victims of trafficking are unwilling to assist prosecutors. There is clearly a need for regional and international cooperation. Australia is already 'on the front foot' in relation to the detection and apprehension of people smugglers. Last year the Prime Minister's Coastal Surveillance Task Force provided significant resources to boost Coastwatch's coverage of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone and offshore territories.
Initial results are very encouraging.
The National Surveillance Centre is closely engaged in developing policies that facilitate strong interdepartmental cooperation. Conclusion Transnational crime is constantly adapting itself in response to new developments in technology and law enforcement. I am confident that we will be able to meet the challenges of transnational crime in the future. The Australian Institute of Criminology is playing its role in through the Global Program Against Trafficking in Human Beings, launched by the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention in March 1999. The Institute has established a web site devoted to people smuggling and trafficking.