Australia is at MEDIUM level of alert.

The National Counter-Terrorism Alert System is a range of four levels that communicate an assessed risk of terrorism to Australia. The Alert System guides national preparation and planning. It also dictates levels of precaution and vigilance to minimise the risk of a terrorist incident occurring.

These include:

• low -   terrorist attack is not expected;
• medium –  terrorist attack could occur;
• high –  terrorist attack is likely; and
• extreme –  terrorist attack is imminent or has occurred.

The National Counter-Terrorism Alert System is a flexible, tiered system that may be applied where necessary nationally; across impacted States or Territories; industry/business sectors; or geographic locations. The flexible system recognising geographic areas or industry sectors was introduced in October 2008. Prior to then an alert level change could only be applied to the entire nation.

Australia has been at a Medium level of alert since four levels of national terrorism alert were introduced in 2003. Prior to that time a three-level system of alert had been in use since 1978.

The flexibility of the Alert System reduces unnecessary disruptions to everyday life. Australian governments are able to change an alert level for one or more impacted communities, locations or sectors as required.

A change in alert level(s) will be communicated by the Prime Minister or representative. Your Premier/Chief Minister is likely to provide you with more information specific to your State or Territory.

While the Alert System may not directly affect your day to day life, it is important that you are aware that these arrangements exist. All Australian governments are committed to ensuring that you can have confidence in Australia’s ability to respond to any terrorist risk or situation.

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