New national counter-terrorism alert system improved

13 Oct 2008

Attorney-General Robert McClelland has announced the implementation of a new National Counter-Terrorism Alert System.

“The previous approach, while comprehensive, could be expensive and onerous for communities not impacted by a security situation,” McClelland said.

“It required a 'one in, all in' approach across the nation.

"If an alert level was changed for one community, geographic location or sector, it would have to be changed for all.

“Through the experience gained in recent counter-terrorism exercises it has become apparent that the current system would benefit from a greater level of flexibility in order to avoid needlessly impacting those unaffected by a security event.”

The four levels (low, medium, high, extreme) will remain the same; the difference is in how they are applied.

The new Alert System, which is now in play, could apply an alert level nationwide, but it could also apply an alert level to a specific jurisdiction, industry, business sector or geographic location.

“Australia is a vast country – a security situation in Perth may have no impact on the people living in Sydney or Melbourne.

"This more targeted system of national counter-terrorism alert will help avoid unnecessary disruptions to everyday life.

"It will also be more cost-effective for the private sector, which has made a substantial investment in its security arrangements,” Mr McClelland said.

The level of national counter-terrorism alert is currently at medium, which means that a terrorist attack within Australia could occur.