Australia is at MEDIUM level of alert.

The National Terrorism Public Alert System is a range of four levels that communicate an assessed risk of terrorist threat to Australia.

The National Terrorism Public Alert System guides national preparation and planning. It also dictates levels of precaution and vigilance to minimise the risk of a terrorist incident occurring.

The Australian Government regularly reviews alert levels

The four levels are:

• 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.

Australia has been at a ‘medium’ level of alert since the 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.

Changes were made to the National Terrorism Public Alert System in June 2010.

What has changed?

The four levels (low, medium, high, extreme) have remained the same; the difference is in how they are applied across the nation. Australian governments will now be able to change an alert level for one or more impacted communities, locations or sectors as required.

Why did it change?

The previous approach required a “one in, all in” approach. If an alert level was changed for one community, geographic location or sector it would be changed for all.

The previous approach, while comprehensive, could be expensive and onerous for communities not impacted by the particular situation causing the change in alert level.

The increases in security and resources required to maintain a higher alert level can impact on a community’s ability to maintain core business, keep critical infrastructure operating and maintain public confidence.

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 Public 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 threat or activity.

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