Sydney (Business Emerge), August 5: In response to a surge in extremist beliefs within the country, Australia has elevated its terror threat level from “possible” to “probable.” This change signifies a more than 50% likelihood of an onshore attack being planned within the next year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following recommendations from security agencies, announced the heightened threat level but assured there is no immediate danger. “We’ve been advised that a broader spectrum of extreme ideologies is gaining traction among Australians, necessitating our heightened vigilance,” he stated at a press briefing.
Since 2022, the terror threat level had been downgraded to “possible” after eight years at “probable.”
Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), noted that current global tensions, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted on October 7, have contributed to this increased threat. “The conflict has exacerbated grievances, incited protests, strained social harmony, and intensified intolerance,” he explained.
Recently, Australia has witnessed several violent incidents attributed to extremist motivations. In a notable case from April, police classified a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop and his followers in Sydney as an act of terror driven by suspected religious extremism.