Terrorism

National Terrorism Threat Advisory System

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Australia's current National Terrorism Threat Level is:

The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System is a scale of five (5) levels which informs the public about the likelihood of an act of terrorism in Australia and what measures you should take to protect yourself.

Public Advice

Australia’s National Terrorism Threat level is POSSIBLE. While Australia remains a potential terrorist target by those who want to cause Australia and Australians harm, there are fewer extremists with the intention to conduct an attack here in Australia.

Whilst Tasmania is a safe place, we are still at risk from terrorist attacks. In the unlikely event of a terrorist attack occurring, it is important you know what to do so you can react quickly.

You should continue to be vigilant by exercising caution and reporting any suspicious incidents to the National Security Hotline by calling 1800 123 400. Life-threatening situations should be reported to the police by calling Triple Zero (000).

In the event of an attack, what you do matters. You need to remember three words: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.

ESCAPE – move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do so.
HIDE – stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
TELL – call the police by dialling Triple Zero (000) when it is safe.

All situations are different. You will need to make quick decisions during an attack and be prepared to change your plan. Remembering the ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL. principles will help in deciding what to do.

For more information on ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL. go to the What to do in an attack page on the Australian National Security website.

Where does the threat come from?

The Australian Government regularly reviews the security environment and the threat level.

The threat from religiously motivated violent extremists has moderated. The appeal, reach and abilities of overseas groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and al-Qa’ida has reduced.

The threat from ideologically motivated violent extremists (such as nationalist and racist violent extremists) continues. But supporters are more likely to focus on recruitment and radicalisation than planning for attacks.

Densely populated, larger cities remain the places most exposed to the terrorist threat; but the threat is not confined to major cities and an attack could occur elsewhere at short notice.

Whilst terrorists are attracted to attacking symbolic locations such as government buildings or places of worship, attacks on the public at crowded places also appeal because they disrupt our lives and cause fear. Even a low capability terrorist attack could achieve this.

How would an attack occur?

The most likely form of terrorism in Australia is an attack carried out by a single person or a small group using basic weapons (knives, vehicles), explosives and firearms. These kinds of attacks can be difficult to detect and may occur with little or no warning.

It is important for the public to continue to exercise caution, stay aware and report any suspicious incidents to the National Security Hotline by calling 1800 123 400.

Life threatening situations should be reported to the Police by calling Triple Zero (000).

For more information visit the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System page.

You don't need to change your daily behaviour or activities. In the event of a terrorist incident, Tasmania Police will provide TasALERT with information and guidance for the public and organisations.

For more information about changes to the National Terrorism Threat Level, visit our Terrorism FAQs page.

What can the community do to help?

Reporting suspicious behaviour

If you are aware of suspicious activity ring the National Security Hotline (NSH) which operates 24/7. Callers to the NSH may remain anonymous if they wish.

National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400
Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au
SMS: 0429 771 822
From overseas: +61 1300 1234 01
For TTY users, call 1800 234 889.
If you need an interpreter call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 and ask them to call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400
Address: National Security Hotline
Department of Home Affairs
PO Box 25
Belconnen ACT 2616

Members of the community can also report suspicious activity direct to Tasmania Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.

For assistance in a life threatening or time critical emergency call Triple Zero (000).

What is a 'suspicious' event or activity?

Suspicious activities could include the following (but there may be others):

websites or social media promoting violent extremist ideology
excess purchasing of chemicals or other dangerous materials
someone you’re concerned about is at risk of becoming radicalised
unusual property or vehicle rentals
unusual videotaping or photography of official buildings or other critical infrastructure
abandoned or suspicious vehicles near public buildings or busy public or crowded places
anything that appears unusual or out of place
suspicious travel planning or abandoned luggage.

If something worries you, or seems to need further attention, please trust your instincts and report it. It’s difficult to know what kind of information might be important, but Police and National Security Hotline operators will know what to do with your information.

Police appreciate and rely upon the assistance of the community. All reports are taken seriously.

It is important that members of the community do not place themselves in harm’s way. If you see an unattended or suspicious package or bag in a public place, with no apparent reason for being there, it is suggested you:

ask if anyone owns it
if no one does, do not touch it.
immediately leave the area and move to a safe location
warn others to keep away
make a note of the incident, and include a description of the package or bag
if in a shopping mall, at a sporting event, in a building or on public transport, contact the relevant security authority and/or
call Tasmania Police on 131 444. For assistance in a life threatening or time critical emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Whilst everyone should be alert to unusual or suspicious activity, the public should not be alarmed and should continue with their daily routines and activities.

Tasmania Police

Tasmanians can be reassured that Tasmania Police, as the lead agency for counter-terrorism preparedness and response, is well prepared to respond to terrorist threats.

Together with other emergency response agencies, Tasmania Police is equipped with a range of specialist response capabilities and participates in regular training activities and exercises.

National Approach

Safeguarding Our Community Together - Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy 2022 outlines Australia’s counter-terrorism effort to safeguard Australia, its people and its interests from the harms of terrorism and violent extremism. The Strategy outlines three national objectives:

countering violent extremism in all its forms by preventing radicalisation of individuals before an attack takes place, and rehabilitating and reintegrating violent extremist offenders
equipping our law enforcement, security intelligence and other operational agencies with the resources and legislation to tackle terrorist threats
ensuring our counter-terrorism arrangements are resilient, collaborative, consistent and proportionate both nationally and internationally.

Tasmania is part of a national approach to counter terrorism between the Commonwealth, and states and territories. This includes working closely with communities to prevent terrorism, combat violent terrorist propaganda and promote early intervention programs.

Tasmania is represented on the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC), which contributes to the security of Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a National Strategy, planning and guidance material, providing expert advice, capability coordination and information sharing arrangements.

For more information visit the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee.