Australians warned to not be complacent on terror threats

Australians have been warned to remain clear eyed about the threat of terrorism amid concerns the dark web has fuelled the rise of religious and ideologically motivated individuals during lockdowns.

In a major address marking the 20 year anniversary of the September 11 attack, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said sporting arenas, shopping centres, airports and other locations would once again have to contend with the threat of terrorism as we return to Covid-normal.

“Sporting arenas, shopping malls, airports, and other iconic locations will once more need to contend with the spectre of terrorism,” she said in a speech to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

“I don’t say this to scaremonger – rather – to ensure we’re clear-eyed about the threat; so we can prepare now to safeguard all Australians from those who would do us harm.”

A meeting between Commonwealth, state and territory policy agencies will be convened in the coming weeks to deal with “significant developments”.

One of those is that the Taliban’s return will allow for Afghanistan to become an international safe haven for terrorist networks.

“Given these significant developments – the time is right for ministers to gather and ensure we are all taking the steps needed to protect Australians,” she said.

“The safety and security of our citizens is a responsibility for all elected representatives – Commonwealth, State, and Territory.”

Ms Andrews argued this threat, in addition to a number of extremists in jail for terrorism offences who are due to be released shortly, was the reason why Australia must urgently beef-up it’s terrorism laws.

“In Australia, there are 51 offenders serving jail sentences for terrorist offences and another 32 before the courts.

“With several of these offenders reaching the conclusion of their prison sentences in the next few years, the need for effective risk management measures to keep our community safe is greater than ever. It will be an important focus of mine.”

The High Risk Terrorist Offenders Bill, currently before the house of representatives, would allow the government to broaden the range of tools available to address the risk posed by convicted terrorist offenders

If passed, the bill would establish a new Extended Supervision Order scheme. It would allow the courts to impose tailored supervisory conditions specific to the risk posed by the terrorist offender if released into the community.

The warning comes ahead of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s trip to Washington later this month for a quadrilateral security meeting with the US, India and Japan.