New National Counter Terrorism Alert System
Release date: 30 September 2008
10:00
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today 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,” Mr 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 will come into force tomorrow, 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.
“It is another example of how Australian governments are working together to help protect
Australia from terrorism.”
The level of national counter-terrorism alert is currently at medium, which means that a
terrorist attack within Australia could occur.
For more information go to: www.nationalsecurity.gov.au
THE HON ROBERT McCLELLAND MP, ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 • Telephone (02) 6277 7300 • Fax (02) 6273 4102 www.attorneygeneral.gov.au
Link to attached file (PDF, 59KB)