Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an increase in Australia’s official terror alert level from “possible” to “probable” in response to escalating security concerns. This decision reflects heightened community tensions and an uptick in radicalisation, particularly among youth.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess highlighted the volatile security environment, noting that while the conflict in Gaza is a significant driver, it is not the sole cause for the raised alert level.
Rising Threats and Quick Radicalisation
Burgess emphasised that the security landscape in Australia has become increasingly unpredictable, with more Australians being rapidly radicalised and showing a willingness to resort to violence for political motives.
“Politically motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns,”
he stated.
Despite the elevated threat level, Burgess reassured that there is no specific intelligence indicating an imminent attack.
Recent Disruptions and Concerns
Over the past four months, security agencies have disrupted eight incidents involving alleged terrorism or potential acts of terrorism. These cases primarily involved young individuals, with the youngest being 14 and the oldest 21, who had been radicalised online. The disruptions included plans for knife attacks and the use of improvised weapons.
Prime Minister’s Call for Calm
Prime Minister Albanese urged Australians to maintain calm and engage in peaceful debates, particularly regarding politically sensitive issues like the Gaza conflict.
“Probable does not mean inevitable, and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger,”
Albanese reassured.
He stressed the importance of lowering the temperature of debate to prevent further escalation.
“No one is suggesting people should have conformity to particular views, but the way people express things is important,” he said.
“It is not normal to have people in occupations for months outside electorate offices, where the work of those electorate offices is to assist people.”
The last time Australia’s terror alert level was raised to “probable” was in 2014, following the emergence of the Islamic State terrorist group. The current rise in the threat level reflects a broader spectrum of ideologies and the increasing influence of online radicalisation.
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