Canberra, Oct 24: Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced on Thursday a series of new counter-terrorism measures prompted by the October 12 bombing in Bali and continuing threats to Australian interests at home and across the region. The measures include creation of a National Counter-Terrorism Committee and the introduction of legislation making it easier to prosecute perpetrators of atrocities against Australians abroad.

"This is a very sad day for the country," Howard said as he described the new dangers facing Australians.

"The terrorist attacks on the United States last year revealed that we are now operating in a new security environment. The Bali bombings tragically brought that directly and personally home to Australians," he said.
The measures were announced following a national memorial service in parliament on Thursday for the 94 Australians killed or missing and dozens more seriously hurt in the Bali bombing. Bureau Report