G-20 Security.

Hosting the G-20 summit of world leaders is sought by most participating nations and this November the gathering will be in Brisbane.  The publicity it will attract will assist in promoting our tourist  attractions and will be well worth the cost.

Security for the event is the responsibility of the host country and it has been decided that Australia's ageing fleet of bomb proof Holden limousines is no longer up to the job.  Heads of state and finance ministers will ride in imported BMW's and their security specifications are impressive.  Body armour and thickened glass can stop AK-47 fire.  Under vehicle armour makes them bomb proof and they have an internal oxygen supply to thwart a gas or chemical weapon attack.   Coupled with a massive V-12 engine and puncture proof tyres,  they are considered unstoppable.

Of course, they are also expensive.   We are importing sixteen cars for this G-20 and the price tag for outright purchase is at least one million dollars each, but we will outlay a paltry $ 1.8 million for the lot because they will be rentals.   There is the usual criticism that we should be supporting our own car industry, but considering that it has signalled it's departure from our shores it is probably wise to move with the times.

These armoured BMW's will serve the lesser heads of state because both Barak Obama and Vladimir Putin - if he comes - will bring their own specially constructed security vehicles.   Days before the event we can expect a visit from giant transport aircraft delivering not only the car to be used, but also a replica backup vehicle.  There will also be a small army of security experts from both countries who will thoroughly check the venues and the accommodation - and set up a communications hub so that their leaders can be in instant contact with their home base as they manage world affairs.

A gathering of world leaders will certainly be a tempting target for terrorism because it will concentrate media headlines.  Unfortunately, it will also attract local demonstrators with protest issues and both local police and the nation's security services will be on knife edge to maintain crowd control and prevent "incidents "!   Australia's reputation will be on the line - and the world will be watching.

It is worth remembering that a hundred years ago the "Great War "started when a single terrorist armed with a pistol assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne.  In the decades that followed many kings and presidents have fallen victim to those that wish them harm and the forces of dissent have grown to power bases that command followers numbered in their millions - and equipped with weapons of mass destruction.

Australia's leaders will heave a sigh of relief when this summit is over, and our visitors return to their home countries without incident !