AUSTRALIA’S terror threat level has been raised from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’ but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says that does not mean it’s ‘inevitable’ or there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger.
However, he said the message was “be aware not frightened”.
He said the advice was that “more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant”.
‘Probable’ means there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of an onshore attack or planning in the next 12 months.
Director-General of Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Mike Burgess said Australia’s security environment was degrading – “it is more volatile and more unpredictable”.
He said more Australians, especially youth, were being radicalised and radicalised more quickly, were embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and were willing to use violence to advance their cause.
“Politically-motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns,” Mr Burgess said.
“Politically-motivated violence encompasses terrorism, but is broader than that. It covers any violent act or any violent threat intended or likely to achieve a political objective. This includes violent protest, riot or an attack on a politician or our democratic institutions
“Unfortunately, here and overseas, we are seeing spikes in political polarisation and intolerance, uncivil debate and unpeaceful protests. Anti-authority beliefs are growing. Trust in institutions is eroding. Provocative, inflammatory behaviours are being normalised.”
If you believe a person you know is going down a dark extremist path, please talk to someone or call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
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