Australia’s national terrorism threat level is PROBABLE* – meaning there is a greater than 50% chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next 12 months.
ASIO ensures the threat level accurately reflects the current threat environment in Australia.
Australia’s security landscape has entered a vulnerable period. It is being challenged by more diverse threats and mixed ideologies – all with concerning trajectories.
Issue-motivated extremism is being fuelled by grievances, conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies. Australia’s social cohesion is lower, and trust in government and our democratic processes is eroding. Australia is not unique and we are seeing this across Western nations – exacerbated by global issues and events such as the Israel–Hamas conflict.
Social media is also a key driver of volatility, acting as a gateway and platform for violent ideologies and global influences to promulgate at volume and scale. Younger people are particularly at risk.
A terrorist attack in Australia is likely to be low cost, using simple tactics and most likely to be conducted by a lone actor or a small group, in a crowded place. Basic weapons, such as knives, vehicles, explosives and firearms can maximise casualties when combined with simple tactics. These types of attacks are difficult to detect and may occur with little to no warning.
This is a whole-of-government, whole-of-industry, whole-of-society challenge. Governments at every level are working together to prevent terrorism, combat online violent extremist propaganda and promote early intervention programs. Industry and individuals also have a role to play in shaping a secure domestic environment.
We expect the security environment will continue to change in response to issues and events that arise in Australia and overseas. We will continue to provide updated advice to you, our valued partners, as these changes occur.
* General Terrorism Threat Level – Australia: PROBABLE – credible intelligence, assessed to represent a plausible scenario, indicates an intention and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia.
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For all security matters in the Courts and the Tribunal, email Marshal@fedcourt.gov.au
