Australia's current National Terrorism Threat Level is
POSSIBLE.
This is because there are a small number of people in Australia and overseas who want to cause Australia harm.
You don't need to change your daily behaviour or activities. Government authorities will tell you if this changes.
Local authorities will provide you with the current advice. It is important to stay up to date with them and the threat level.
The Australian Security Environment
Australia’s general terrorism threat level is
POSSIBLE. While Australia remains a potential terrorist target, there are fewer violent extremists with the intention to conduct an attack onshore.
The factors that led to an elevation of the terrorism threat level in 2014 no longer exist, or persist to a lesser degree.
The threat from religiously motivated violent extremists has moderated. In particular, the offshore networks, capabilities and allure of Sunni violent extremist groups—such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and al-Qa‘ida—have been substantially degraded. Accordingly, the support for these groups in Australia has declined further. But the violent extremist beliefs which motivated these groups persist, and will continue to appeal to a small number of Australians.
Ideologically motivated violent extremism—and particularly nationalist and racist violent extremism—remains a threat to Australian security and its adherents will continue to engage in offensive behaviours. But nationalist and racist violent extremist groups are more likely to focus on recruitment and radicalisation, rather than attack planning. ASIO remains concerned about the potential for these groups to radicalise individuals who then go on to undertake attacks, potentially without any warning.
Over the last two years, ASIO has seen an increase in issue-motivated extremism fuelled by grievances associated with COVID-19 restrictions, conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies. While some individuals used violent rhetoric and some protests involved violence, we did not identify acts of terrorism. The Australian community remained largely resilient, and many of the grievance narratives lost momentum as restrictions were eased.
In the online environment, violent extremists—both in Australia and offshore—will continue to produce and share propaganda intended to sow division and encourage acts of violence. While a single piece of propaganda is unlikely to be the sole catalyst for an attack, it can be amplified in online echo chambers where violent extremist ideologies can proliferate without being challenged.
What will an attack look like?
The terrorist threat is not extinguished. An attack remains possible. Terrorists will continue to seek to generate fear in the community and promote their cause.
A terrorist attack is most likely to be conducted by an individual (known as a lone actor) or a small group. These types of attacks are difficult to detect and may occur with little to no warning.
An attack is likely to be low-cost, using readily available weapons, and simple tactics. Weapons such as knives, vehicles, explosives, and firearms, used in combination with simple tactics, can maximise casualties.
The most likely location for a terrorist attack in Australia is a crowded place in a major city. Crowded places include shopping centres, transport hubs or other easily accessible locations. In some cases, the terrorist’s ideology or grievance may lead the attacker to choose a symbolic location such as a government building or place of worship.
Our response
Governments at every level are working closely with the Australian community to prevent terrorism, combat online violent extremist propaganda and promote early intervention programs.
It is important for the public to stay aware and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline by calling 1800 123 400.
Life-threatening situations should be reported to the police by calling triple zero (000).
The security environment is complex, challenging and changing. Threats will evolve in response to issues and events that arise in both Australia and overseas. The government will continue to provide updated advice to the Australian community as these changes occur.
Local advice
Learn about arrangements in your
state or territory.
