NSW Government arrangements
Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11 2001, and those experienced in other parts of the world including the Bali bombings in 2002 and the London bombings in 2005, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has invested significantly in resources and training to ensure the state is prepared for a terrorist attack and the consequences it brings.
A range of government agencies are involved in ongoing planning and the development of measures to prevent, prepare, respond and if required, provide recovery arrangements.
The role of NSW in the national arrangements
The National Counter-Terrorism Plan outlines the responsibilities, authorities and the mechanisms to prevent, or if they occur, manage acts of terrorism and their consequences in Australia. This document is available on the Australian Government website: www.nationalsecurity.gov.au
The National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) was established in October 2002. Its role is to coordinate a national framework to counter terrorism and its consequences. This framework ensures that all governments and relevant agencies in Australia work together to share intelligence and information.
NSW has two representatives on the National Counter-Terrorism Committee:
- The Assistant Director General, Office of Strategic Operations, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
- The Deputy Commissioner, Specialist Operations, NSW Police Force
Co-ordination and consultation between jurisdictions was established by the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Australia’s National Counter Terrorism Arrangements on 24 October 2002.
NSW Government arrangements
Through the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and the NSW Police Force, key committees continuously plan, practice and review arrangements across all government agencies and supporting organisations.
These committees include:
- Cabinet Standing Committee on Counter Terrorism
This Committee is chaired by the Premier and oversees and further develops or augments the arrangements and capabilities at the state level for dealing with threats and incidents of terrorism
- Chief Executives Counter Terrorism Coordinating Group
Supports the Cabinet Standing Committee on Counter Terrorism, and is chaired by the Director General of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
NSW is also implementing a number of national strategies in relation to counter terrorism. These include the Strategy for Promoting Public Understanding of the National Counter Terrorism Arrangements, and our involvement in the National Action Plan for Building Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security.
Read more about NSW Government strategies and initiatives.
NSW Government responsibilities
The responsibilities of State governments are outlined in the National Counter Terrorism Plan. The NSW Government:
- Maintains counter terrorism and related policies, legislation and plans with regard to NSW
- Maintains counter terrorism and consequence management capabilities in a range of NSW agencies
- Has primary operational responsibility to respond to terrorist incidents in NSW
- Determines prevention strategies and operational responses to threats
- Determines whether to seek assistance from, or provide assistance to, other States and Territories
- Actively considers the requirement for the declaration of a National Terrorist Situation in the event of a terrorist incident or threat
- Contributes to the national strategy in a National Terrorist Situation
Find out more about the different roles of NSW Government agencies.