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What is counter terrorism?
Counter terrorism refers to the measures put in place by the NSW, Australian and other state and territory governments to help prevent, respond to and investigate a terrorist act in Australia. These include having trained people, legislation and cooperative arrangements between all governments.
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What is the National Counter Terrorism Alert Level?
The National Counter Terrorism Alert Level is a benchmark that guides national preparation and planning and dictates levels of precaution and vigilance to minimise the risk of a terrorist incident occurring. It is also the basis of public discussion of the risk of the terrorist threat to Australia.
Since the September 11 attacks in the United States, the level of Counter Terrorism Alert in Australia has been set at MEDIUM. This means that a terrorist attack in Australia could occur. There has been at least one aborted, disrupted or actual terrorist attack against Australian interests every year since 2000.
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What is the National Counter-Terrorism Committee?
The National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC)’s role is to coordinate a national framework to counter terrorism and its consequences. This ensures that all governments and relevant agencies in Australia work together to share intelligence and information.
NSW has two representatives on the NCTC:
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What is the National Counter Terrorism Plan?
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 website: www.nationalsecurity.gov.au
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What national policies is the NSW Government implementing in relation to counter terrorism?
NSW is implementing a number of national strategies including:
National Action Plan for Building Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP)
COAG Strategy to Promote Public Understanding of National Counter Terrorism Arrangements
COAG agreements on Surface Transport Security, National Identity Security, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Security
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Who is the lead agency for terrorism in NSW?
NSW Police Force is the lead agency for terrorism related matters in NSW.
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What plans are in place for managing a terrorist incident in NSW?
The National Counter Terrorism Plan details the national framework for managing an incident, and specific state plans include the NSW Counter Terrorism Plan, NSW State Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) and supporting sub plans.
The NSW Cabinet Standing Committee on Counter Terrorism provides policy leadership in relation to counter terrorism planning. The NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and the NSW Police Force in conjunction with a number of committees and working groups continuously plan, train and review arrangements across all government agencies and supporting organisations. A comprehensive exercise program is in place to regularly test and practice these arrangements.
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What are the laws relating to terrorism in NSW?
In NSW we are able to use the Commonwealth legislation, so we only have one terrorism offence. This is found in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) at section 310J, which makes it an offence to intentionally be a member of a terrorist organisation if the person knows it is a terrorist organisation. What defines a terrorism organisation is explained in Commonwealth legislation.
While there is only one terrorism offence in NSW, the Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002 (NSW) gives police special powers to deal with imminent threats of terrorist acts and to respond to terrorist acts. Members of the NSW Police Force are also able to use any of the other regular powers or legislation available when preventing or investigating a terrorist act.
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