Like many countries, Australia has been on a heightened security alert since 11 September 2001.
Having a strong counter-terrorism capability to protect our way of life is a top priority for the Australian Government. All national security agencies have been significantly upgraded.
New measures include strengthening intelligence, Defence Force and Federal Police capabilities, and tightening air security and border controls.
The Australian Government continues to work hard to protect Australia from the threat of terrorism. Following is some information and advice for members of the community for this heightened period of alert.
How you can help protect Australia
Some things to look out for
Please accept heightened security
Steps you can take to prepare for an emergency
What to do in an emergency
Essential first aid
Respecting our community
Frequently asked questions
Keep yourself informed
The Australian Government will use television, radio, newspapers and the internet to provide critical information and advice on protecting our nation against terrorism.
It is important that you try to keep up to date with the news.
Keep an eye out for anything suspicious
Small pieces of information from members of the public can help keep Australia safe from terrorism. Police and security agencies are working hard but you could help them complete the picture. If you see anything suspicious call the 24-hour National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. Trained operators take every call seriously and you can remain anonymous.
Terrorists rely on surprise, so we cannot predict every possible situation. However, local and overseas experience has given us some possible warning signs to look out for.
Unusual videotaping or photography of official buildings or other critical infrastructure
Videotaping is one of the ways terrorists gather information about a target. In 2001, a major terrorist plot in Singapore was averted when videotapes of buildings to be attacked, including the Australian High Commission, were discovered.
Suspicious vehicles near significant buildings or in busy public places
Terrorists use vehicles for many different purposes, from surveillance to planting bombs, as in Bali. Vehicles may be parked for an unusually long time, sometimes in no-parking areas. Explosives can be heavy, so cars and vans may sit abnormally low on their suspension. They may be out of registration, or have false or missing number plates. Overseas, a terrorist attack was foiled after police became suspicious of a car with front and rear number plates that didn’t match.
Suspicious accommodation needs
The way terrorists use, rent and buy accommodation is often suspicious. In the UK, a rented garage was turned into a bomb factory. A member of the public reported strange comings and goings of men wearing gloves, which led to the arrest of terrorists who had already attacked Heathrow Airport three times.
Unusual purchases of large quantities of fertilizer, chemicals or explosives
Fertilizer is a widely available product that has been used in many terrorist bombs. In 1995, a bomb in Oklahoma City killed 168 people. One of the people involved was arrested following the discovery of a receipt for nearly a tonne of fertilizer that was used to make the bomb.
A lifestyle that doesn’t add up
While planning an attack, terrorists may lead lives that appear unusual or suspicious. Before the 11 September 2001 attacks, terrorists in the US undertook flight training but weren’t interested in learning how to take off or land. The leader of that group also paid cash for many large purchases such as the flight training, accommodation, vehicles and air tickets.
False or multiple identities
Terrorists frequently use stolen or fake documents, including passports and driver’s licences. They can also have several identities and may give conflicting details to those they come into contact with. Overseas, alert bank employees noticed a series of unusual transactions and identified an account that had been opened in a false name. They reported it to authorities, who uncovered links to a terrorist group.
Unattended bags
If you see an unattended package or bag in a public place, with no apparent reason for being there, here’s what to do:
Security has been substantially increased at places such as airports and major sporting and public events. It can seem an inconvenience, but it is important to remember that these measures are in place to protect us.
Preparing for terrorism should be approached like any emergency such as fire or flooding. This is known as the 'all hazards' approach. A few basic, commonsense measures are outlined below, which you may wish to put in place.
Develop an emergency plan
Decide who in your household will do what in an emergency and make sure everyone knows his or her role. For example, who will check on elderly neighbours or pick up children from school?
Ask someone to be your key contact
Choose an out-of-town friend or relative who is prepared to be a point of contact if the members of your household are separated in an emergency. Make sure everyone (including your key contact) has a full list of your contact details.
Agree on a meeting place
Decide where your group will meet in the event of an incident that makes it impossible for you to go home.
Know your home
In some emergencies you may need to turn off your electricity, water or gas. Make a note of where the main switches and valves are located.
Find out about your local emergency services
Record the numbers of your local police, fire, ambulance and council, and your State Emergency Service, together with gas and electricity suppliers.
Assemble an emergency kit
Prepare an emergency kit and keep it where you can find it easily. It should include a torch, a battery-operated radio, a first aid kit including disposable latex gloves, and copies of your important personal documents.
A full list of emergency kit suggestions is available from Emergency Management Australia’s booklet Preparing for the Unexpected.
Knowing what to do in an emergency situation makes it easier to keep yourself and those around you safe. Following is some general emergency advice and information on what to do in specific situations.
General advice
If a bomb explodes
If you receive a suspicious package
If you are caught in a fire
A chemical, biological or radiological incident
If someone is injured, these steps will help keep everyone at the scene as safe as possible until professional help arrives:
1. Make sure the situation is safe (eg. keep clear of power lines, gas, smoke and fire).
2. If the injured person is unconscious and not responding, or if the incident has not otherwise been reported, call 000 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
3. If the person is not breathing, remove any blockage to the airway. If you or any bystander has the necessary skills, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
4. Attend to severe bleeding (hotlink to ‘bleeding’) or shock (hotlink to ‘shock’) and then care for injuries to muscles, bones and joints (hotlink to ‘muscles, bones and joints’).
5. Monitor the injured person’s condition while waiting for professional assistance to arrive.
6. Help the person rest in the most comfortable position and give reassurance.
Bleeding
Burns
Shock
Injuries to muscles, bones and joints
Exposure to chemical, biological or radiological agents
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has health advice and more information about how Australia is prepared for health emergencies.
Australians are friendly, decent, democratic people, and we’re going to stay that way.
Our community embraces people, religions and languages from every corner of the world.
Now more than ever, it is important that we all respect our different backgrounds and beliefs.
Terrorism affects us all and no community or religion should be made a scapegoat for the actions of extremists. If you see harassment or discrimination, do not turn your back. It is the responsibility of all of us to prevent it.
Below are some organisations where you can report it and get help.
Emergency 000
In an emergency, if a crime is taking place or if you are physically attacked, call 000 or your local police.
To report harassment or discrimination
Contact these organisations if you feel that you or anyone in your community has been subjected to racial or religious discrimination or vilification.
National
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 656 419
Australian Capital Territory
Human Rights Office (02) 6207 0576
Northern Territory
Anti-Discrimination Commission Northern Territory (08) 8999 1444 or 1800 813 846
Queensland
Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland 1300 130 670
South Australia
Equal Opportunity Commission South Australia (08) 8207 1977 or 1800 188 163 within South Australia.
New South Wales
Anti-Discrimination Board of New South Wales (02) 9268 5544 or 1800 670 812
Community Relations Commission 1800 804 141
Tasmania
Anti-Discrimination Commission Tasmania (03) 6224 4905 or 1800 632 716
Victoria
Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria (03) 9281 7100 or 1800 134 142
Western Australia
Equal Opportunity Commission Western Australia (08) 9216 3934 or 1800 198 149
Is Australia a potential terrorist target?
Every country, including Australia, is a potential terrorist target. Like many countries around the world, Australia has been on heightened security alert since 11 September 2001. The level of national counter-terrorism alert is currently Medium. Security and intelligence agencies constantly monitor all available information. If there is a change in the assessed level of threat to Australia the Australian Government will advise you through the news media.
How long will Australia be on heightened security alert?
It is likely that we will be living with increased security for the foreseeable future. Australia moved to a four-level system of national counter-terrorism alert in June 2003. The four-levels are Low, Medium, High and Extreme levels.
What is being done to protect Australia from terrorism?
How will I be kept informed?
Should I stay away from shopping centres, sporting events or change my holiday plans?
What should I do if travelling overseas?
How likely is a chemical, biological or radiological attack by terrorists?
What can I do to protect myself and others at work?
What if my children become concerned or anxious about terrorism?