PM Howard contradicts top cop - terrorism is greater threat ...

Excerpt from news.com.au:

Terrorism greater threat than climate: Howard

28 September 2007

Prime Minister John Howard says terrorism is a far more immediate threat to national security than climate change.

In a speech to a criminology conference on Monday, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said climate change was the greatest national security risk because of the threat of water and food shortages and an influx of refugees.

Mr Howard today rejected the claims and said terrorism and Islamic extremism were greater national security risks.

"Terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism are far more immediate threats to Australia than the mass movement of people from China as a result of water shortage,'' Mr Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

However, Mr Howard said climate change also was an important national security issue.

"Terrorism is a far more immediate threat but unless countries like China solve their climate change and water problems there could be significant movements of populations.''

"But I don't think it's a question of an either, or. They are both big challenges and they are both things that we should worry about.''

See- Howard contradicts top cop's views on climate change.