NSW: Olympic security meeting to address funding concerns

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-1999
NSW: Olympic security meeting to address funding concerns

The New South Wales Police Association is meeting today with Sydney Harbour Commander
GORDON WELLINGS in an urgent bid to resolve a three-way dispute brewing over counter-terrorist
funding for the Olympic Games.

The Police Marine Olympic Security program -- governing all seagoing and underwater safety
operations during the Olympics -- has apparently been cut by more than half to 30 officers.

Political and police sources say the specialist anti-terrorist diver-training course has
been curtailed due to a perceived funding shortfall.

But Olympic Security Command Centre head, Chief Superintendent PAUL MCKINNON, says the
water police have jumped the gun in claiming there are funding woes.

Police association officials say they'll seek firm assurances on fears that Games security
could be jeopardised by funding cuts.

AAP RTV jk/sb/kbw/jn/kbw/lm

KEYWORD: OLY DIVERS (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.