9/12/2014
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- Terror threat raised to ‘high’
- Extra security expected at public events, airports
- Based on number of reasons
- PM warns no ‘specific’ threat is imminent
AUSTRALIANS can expect greater security at airports, large public events, government buildings and ports as the government has raised the public alert of a terror threat to ‘high’ for the first time in history.
“Our security agencies have raised the alert level based on an accumulation of indicators,” Prime Minister Abbott said in a press conference today.
Speaking alongside ASIO boss David Irvine and Attorney General George Brandis as well as representatives from the AFP, Mr Abbott said the decision was based on a number of factors including the number of Australians fighting in the Middle East and those who have returned home. It also takes into account those in Australia supporting terrorists and exaltations coming from IS to join the cause or launch an attack on home soil.
“We do know that people coming back from the Middle East militarised and brutalised ... do pose a threat to our community” Mr Abbott said.
“What I want to assure people is that we have very capable police, very capable security agencies. I am confident our agencies are smarter than terrorists and would-be terrorists and will remain one step ahead of them.”
Security around iconic buildings and events will be stepped up. Source: Supplied
The change means a terrorist attack is now considered “likely”.
However the Prime Minister stressed there is no specific threat imminent and said the move is nothing to do with religion.
“We have no specific intelligence of particular plots,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
“What we do have is intelligence that there are people with the intent and the capability to mount attacks.”
“Nothing that I have said today ... has anything to with religion. This is about crime, potential crime and combating crime.”
Labor leader Bill Shorten said he supports the move saying “when it comes to fighting terrorism, we are in this together”.
“Labor will continue to support the government in its most important responsibility; ensuring the safety of the Australian people,” he said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has raised the national terror threat for the first time. Source: News Corp Australia
The move will mean greater security at public events, ports and military bases although the public shouldn’t expect to see significant changes in the way police operate.
“Essentially we want people to go about their normal lives,” Mr Abbott said.
A national security hotline has been set up on 1800 123 400 for people to call if they notice anything unusual.
ASIO chief David Irvine said the move is based on a number of factors which have concerned security forces, such as the growing number of foreign fighters in the Middle East. It’s estimated there are around 10,000 foreigners working with IS including 60-70 Australians.
Attorney General George Brandis said it’s a “sad fact” that extremists are preying upon young men in the Muslim community and the government will consult with the community to “protect them and their interests”.
Federal Attorney General George Brandis. Source: News Corp Australia
The terror level has been set at medium on the National Terrorism Public Alert System since the system was introduced in 2003.
The four levels include:
• low — terrorist attack is not expected
• medium — terrorist attack could occur
• high — terrorist attack is likely
• extreme — terrorist attack is imminent or has occurred.
WHAT WILL IT MEAN?
State premiers have addressed the media this afternoon to provide some detail about what the change will mean. It’s likely to include more police on the ground at public events and greater security checks at transport hubs, public events, airports, ports and government buildings.
Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine said police will work to provide extra security to “prepare for any eventualities” including more police on the ground at tonight’s AFL game.
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird also said people will notice extra security at airports and parliament buildings saying: “We ask as you encounter that security to be patient”.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the iconic infrastructure and size of New South Wales means the state is likely to be a greater target.
Meanwhile Queensland premier Campbell Newman asked the public for patience as they will see “increased security potentially at airports, at ports, at military bases, government buildings, major sporting events”. “You may see queuing as bags are checked,” he said.
Public events and iconic buildings could see greater security under the new threat level. Source: Supplied
It comes as Australia is set to play a greater role in efforts to fight IS in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister will travel to New York in two weeks to attend a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, convened by Mr Obama, to discuss the issue of foreign fighters and sharing intelligence to prevent home-soil attacks.
“Australia will work with our international partners to combat this evil menace,” Mr Abbott said yesterday.
President Barack Obama addresses the nation yesterday. Source: AP
Yesterday US President Barack Obama announced a four-part plan to “destroy and degrade” IS which includes air strikes in Syria and an extra 475 US personnel to support Iraq security forces, but not combat forces on the ground.
However a formal request for Australian assistance beyond humanitarian aid and weapons air drops is yet to be received.
“A specific request for military assistance in the form of air capability and military advisers could come, but it hasn’t yet come,” Mr Abbott said.
The UK has also raised their terror threat recently to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, as the world marks the 13th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
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