Australia raises terror threat to ‘high’ over fears of domestic IS support

The Australian government has raised the country’s terror threat level from “medium” to “high” for the first time since the warning system was introduced 11 years ago. Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced there was no specific threat, but the level needed to be elevated to the second highest warning as a result of the rise in domestic support for the Islamic State (IS) movement. Australia’s spy agency’s Director-General David Irvine said the terrorist threat level had been rising in Australia over the past year, particularly in recent months, due in part to Australians joining IS to fight in Syria and Iraq.

Normal life in Australia can and must go on, but we need to be aware that there are people who wish to do us harm and are preparing to do us harm.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott

There are fears too about potential attacks by fighters returning to Australia from the Middle East. The news brings Australia largely in line with the UK in terms of the threat level. It is likely that Australian airports, sports grounds, military and government buildings and transport hubs will see an increase in security. Australia is planning tough new counter-terrorism laws and has increased spending on intelligence, law enforcement and border protection agencies.

If terrorists wanted to make a statement the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House would be obvious targets.

Dr Justin Hastings, a terrorism expert from Sydney University

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