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National security and counter-terrorism

Our security environment has changed dramatically in recent years. The 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings and the attack on our embassy in Jakarta in 2004 have served as a timely reminder that Australia faces regional terror threats. The terrorist attacks in London and Madrid illustrated not only the threat posed to Australian citizens internationally but highlighted the possibility of an attack here in Australia .

Australia's response to the threat of terrorism involves every level of government. This approach stems from an understanding that national security is not a simply policy problem. Terrorists rely on surprise to achieve their aims and present a constantly changing threat.

The Australian response to terrorism combines the creation of effective laws and collection of intelligence, with national defence, law enforcement, aviation and maritime security, border control, protective security, preventative health measures, emergency response and consequence managing, the protection of public and private infrastructure, planning and testing responses and enhancing national and international co-operation.