Protecting Australia

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

How you can help protect Australia

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.

Some things to look out for

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:

• Ask if anyone owns it.
• If no one does, don’t touch it.
• Alert others to keep away.
• If in a shopping mall or building, contact security.
• Or call local police or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Please Accept Heightened Security

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.

• Please be patient with queues or delays caused by security checks.
• Allow extra time for journeys, especially when flying.
• Don’t leave packages or bags unattended.

Steps you can take to prepare for an emergency

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.

What to do in an emergency

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

• In an emergency try to remain calm and reassure others.
• Check for injuries. Attend to your own injuries first so you are then able to help others.
• Ensure your family members and neighbours are safe, especially children, the elderly or those who are living alone.
• During an emergency, watch your television or listen to your radio for information.
• Follow the advice of the emergency services. If it is dark, check for damage using a torch. Do not light a match – there could be gas in the air.
• If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve if it is safe to do so, and quickly move everyone outside.
• Call to let someone know you are safe but minimise other calls unless the situation is life-threatening, to avoid overloading phone lines.
• Use a landline to call essential contacts if mobile networks are down.
• Make sure pets are safe and have food and water.

If a bomb explodes

• Protect yourself from falling debris.
• Get away to an open space or protected area as quickly and calmly as possible.
• Stay away from tall buildings, glass windows and parked vehicles.
• Follow the instructions of the emergency services.
• If you have any information that may help apprehend suspects or identify a vehicle involved, contact the police or the National Security Hotline at once.

If you receive a suspicious package

• Do not open it.
• Leave it alone and immediately clear the area.
• Call 000 and ask for the police. Wait in a safe place until emergency services arrive, and follow their instructions.

If you are caught in a fire

• Stay low to the floor, as smoke and heat rises.
• Use the emergency exit to get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible – do not use the lift.
• Check doors before opening them – if they feel hot there may be fire on the other side.

A chemical, biological or radiological incident

• In a chemical, biological or radiological incident, the most important things to remember are to minimise your exposure, then watch your television or listen to your radio and wait for emergency services to tell you what to do.
• It is not possible to give specific instructions for all chemical, biological or radiological incidents as what to do will depend on what agent has been released.
• If there is a public alert about an incident, authorities may tell you to stay inside, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners. Alternatively, you may be told to evacuate the area. Follow the advice of emergency services.
• Current advice from official intelligence services is that the likelihood of a chemical, biological or radiological terrorist attack in Australia is low.
• Health authorities and emergency services have detailed plans in place to deal with a situation and treat those affected.
• Stockpiles of antibiotics, vaccines, anti-viral drugs and chemical antidotes are in place.

Essential first aid

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

• Cover the wound with a dressing or clean cloth and place direct pressure on it.
• Encourage the person to lie down if necessary.
• Raise the injured part above the level of the heart, but take great care if you suspect a broken bone.
• Cover the dressing with a bandage to hold it in place.
• If the bleeding does not stop, apply additional dressings, pads and bandages on top of existing ones.

Burns

• Cool the burn with plenty of clean cold water (except for burns that are charred, whitish or deep).
• Do not break blisters.
• Gently remove rings, watches, belts or tight clothing.
• Cover burned areas with dry, clean, non-stick dressings or cloth.
• Treat for shock (hotlink to ‘shock’) as required.

Shock

• Keep the victim from getting either cold or overheated.
• Raise legs about 30cm if you don’t suspect broken bones.
• Do not give food or drink.

Injuries to muscles, bones and joints

• Rest the injured part. Avoid movements that cause pain.
• Immobilise the injured part before moving the victim or giving additional care.
• Apply ice or a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• Raise the injured area to slow the flow of blood and reduce swelling.

Exposure to chemical, biological or radiological agents

• Exposure to any of these agents could lead to an unexplained outbreak of illness.
• If gas or poison is released, as in the 1995 Tokyo subway terrorist attack, this can cause rapid collapse or otherwise unexplained loss of consciousness.
• If you see such symptoms evacuate the area immediately, call 000 and follow the advice of emergency services.
• Symptoms of exposure to other agents are unlikely to be of such rapid onset, but if in doubt call 000 and follow the instructions given.
• Decontamination may be needed before medical care can be given.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has health advice and more information about how Australia is prepared for health emergencies.

Respecting our community

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

Frequently asked questions

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?

• National security and law enforcement agencies, including ASIS, ASIO the Australian Federal Police and the Defence Forces, have been significantly upgraded. Click here for a full list of national security agencies and their responsibilities
• A National Counter-Terrorism Plan is in place, detailing how Australian, State and Territory governments' and national security agencies work together to detect, prevent and respond to terrorism.

How will I be kept informed?

• The Australian Government will keep all Australians informed about what is being done to protect Australia and the current alert level through public statements on news media, including television, radio, newspapers and the internet.
• Try to watch, listen to or read the news every day and keep an eye out for essential information.
• In an emergency situation, the Government will make public statements through news media so try to watch your television or listen to your radio for information.

Should I stay away from shopping centres, sporting events or change my holiday plans?

• There is no reason for any of us to stay away from public places or change our normal routines or domestic holiday plans, other than to allow additional time for increased security checking.
• It is essential that we do not allow the threat of terrorism to change the way of life we value so highly.
• If the Australian Government receives credible information that there are places in Australia you should stay away from, you will be officially advised through the news media and relevant authorities.

What should I do if travelling overseas?

• If travelling overseas, it is essential that you keep yourself informed of the security status of the countries you are visiting.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can give you the up-to-date security status for more than 120 countries before you leave Australia. These and other tips to help you prepare for your overseas holiday can be found at www.smartraveller.gov.au. You can also access this information while you are away.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also has a registration service for Australians overseas to make it easier to contact you in an emergency.

How likely is a chemical, biological or radiological attack by terrorists?

• The current advice from official intelligence services is that the likelihood of this kind of terrorist attack in Australia is low.
• Health authorities and emergency services have detailed plans in place to deal with a situation and treat those affected.
• In a chemical, biological or radiological incident, the most important thing to remember is to minimise your exposure, then watch your television or listen to your radio and wait for emergency services to tell you what to do.
• Stockpiles of antibiotics, vaccines, anti-viral drugs and chemical antidotes are in place.
• The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has health advice and more information about how Australia is prepared for health emergencies.

What can I do to protect myself and others at work?

• Make sure you are familiar with the emergency and evacuation plans for your workplace. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor.
• Attend an accredited first aid course.
• If you run a business or manage a large building, review your security measures. You should also review your emergency and evacuation plans. Rehearse them, update if necessary, and make sure every member of your staff knows what to do.
• Keep a careful check on garages and underground car parks so that you know whose vehicles are on your premises.
• If you have security cameras, make sure they are working properly, check that the time and date are correct, and retain the tapes in case they might be of use to police later.

What if my children become concerned or anxious about terrorism?

• Talk with your children about what is happening and what is being done to protect them. Encourage them to say how they feel.
• Be honest about things being discussed in the media and in your community.
• If anyone in your family becomes anxious to a point where it starts interfering with daily life, consult a health professional.