On Monday 5 August, Australia raised its national terrorism threat level from ‘possible’ to ‘probable.’ 

A threat level of probable means that the intelligence authorities believe there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of terrorist attack being planned in the next 12 months.

“I want to reassure Australians, 'probable' does not mean 'inevitable' and it does not mean there is intelligence about an imminent threat or danger. 

But the advice that we've received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference in Parliament House on Monday.

He was joined by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation stated in a media release that the agency “is observing the emergence of domestic actors increasingly driven to action by socio-political issues, intersecting with personal grievances. 

There is an increase in extremism, fuelled by conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies. Some actors hold a blend of ideologies, including those that justify acts of violence to influence change.”

What will a potential terrorist attack look like?

ASIO stated further that a terrorist attack is most likely to be conducted by an individual (known as a lone actor) or a small group.

The most likely location is a crowded place, including shopping centres, transport hubs or other easily accessible locations, in a major city.

Attacks are likely to be low cost, using readily available weapons (such as knives, vehicles, firearms and explosives) combined with simple tactics.

Stay vigilant

ASIO urges the public to stay aware and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline at 1800 123 400.

Life-threatening situations should be reported to the police by calling triple zero (000).