Australia’s national terrorism threat level has been lowered but ASIO has warned an attack could still happen
Australia’s national terrorism threat level has been lowered from ‘probable’ to ‘possible’.
However, ASIO has warned a deadly attack could still occur on Australian soil in the next 12 months.
“A decision of this nature is not taken lightly or made casually,” said Mike Burgess, who is the Director General of ASIO.
It is the first time the warning has been lowered since 2014 when radicalised foreign fighters begun travelling to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS and other Islamic terrorist organisations.
Burgess said the threat of terrorism has not been eradicated, and Australia remains a target for terrorist organisations—even within the next 12 months.
“We keep the terrorism threat level under constant review. There can be no set and forget in security intelligence,” he said.
How common is terrorism in Australia?
There have been 11 terrorist attacks on Australian soil since 2014. In addition, 21 plots have been detected and disrupted.
“Thankfully, there have been no attacks or major disruptions this year,” Burgess said.
However, ASIO remains on alert for violent extremists despite “fewer” operating with the intention to conduct an onshore attack.
“Ideologically motivated violent extremism—particularly nationalist and racist violent extremism—remains a threat and its adherents will continue to engage in offensive behaviours.”
MIKE BURGESS, ASIO DIRECTOR GENERAL
ASIO maintains these extremists are likely to focus their attention on recruitment and radicalisation, rather than attacking.
Authorities believe the most likely terrorist attack to occur in Australia will see a lone actor using a basic weapon, like a knife or vehicle.
These attacks can be difficult to detect ahead of time and can occur with little or no warning entirely.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he has confidence in the nation’s security agencies.
“I won’t second-guess them and I won’t comment on their behalf,” he said.
Mr Albanese’s government has led the repatriation effort of Australian women and children linked to ISIS from Syria.
The women and children were assessed by ASIO before they arrived in Australia. The decision to lower the terrorism threat level also considered the unfolding situation.
ASIO said foreign fighters may return from the Middle Eastern conflict zone and could bring “dangerous ideologies and capabilities with them”.
