NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR DUNCAN LEWIS

UNCLAS CANBERRA 001230 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR MARR AS SUBJECT: NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR DUNCAN LEWIS ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the appointment of Duncan Lewis to the newly-created post of National Security Advisor (NSA). The creation of the position of NSA is the first step in the formation of the Rudd Government's new national security structure. The NSA will be responsible for advising the Prime Minister on all policy matters relating to Australia's security, and will oversee implementation of all national security policy arrangements. Lewis served for more than 30 years in the Australian Defense Force and was commander of the SAS when in retired in 2005. Currently Deputy Secretary in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet with responsibility for policy coordination and advising the Prime Minister on national security, defense and intelligence, domestic security, and international relations, his appointment as NSA required creation of a new position - Associate Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. END SUMMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR ¶2. (U) PM Rudd released a National Security Statement in Parliament December 4. As part of that statement, the Prime Minister also announced the appointment of Duncan Lewis AO to the newly-created post of NSA. The NSA "will be the source of advice to the Prime Minister on all policy matters relating to the nation's security, and will oversee the implementation of all national security policy arrangements." This includes coordination of national security budgets, evaluation of performance against national security priorities, and establishment of an executive development program in national security. He will chair a newly formed National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC) intended to integrate national intelligence efforts towards achieving national security priorities. Lewis will also become the Deputy Chair of the National Security Committee of Cabinet at the Ministerial level, whose charter will be expanded to address homeland and border security. Other chairmanships of the NSA include the strategic maritime management committee, the strategic policy co-ordination group, the Counter-Terrorism Policy Committee, and co-chair of the national counterrorism committee. BIOGRAPHY OF DUNCAN LEWIS ¶3. (U) Lewis served for more than 30 years as an officer in the Australian Army, including three tours with the SAS. A graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, he initially served as a junior infantry officer before joining the SAS. Lewis served as commander of the SAS regiment 1990-92, army attache in Jakarta from 1994-96 and retired in 2005 as Major General commanding Australian Special Forces. In 2000, as a brigadier general, he was given command of Sector West in East Timor, the frontline border region where anti-independence guerrillas were staging frequent cross-border incursions. Lewis was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for his work as SAS commander and the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership on the East Timorese border in 2000. He is also a graduate of the British Army Staff College, Camberley, and the U.S. Army War College. ¶4. (SBU) According to press reports, Lewis is regarded as strong-minded and highly intelligent with a keen interest in history. A former army chief said "Lewis left the military at the height of what he could achieve in the special forces with good operational experience and got things done." He Qwith good operational experience and got things done." He was a man with strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills who understood Asian culture well. In 2005, he retired from the military and in October of that year he was appointed to his current position as Deputy Secretary, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, with responsibility for policy coordination and advising the Prime Minister on national security, defense and intelligence, domestic security, and international relations. MCCALLUM