Canberra: On Monday, Australia increased its terror threat level from “possible” to “probable”, citing a rise in extremist views within the country. Authorities now estimate a more than 50% chance of an onshore attack occurring in the next 12 months.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the escalation, following recommendations from security services. He emphasized, however, that there is no immediate threat of an attack. “The advice that we have received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant,” he stated during a news conference.
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Australia had lowered its threat level to “possible” in 2022 after maintaining a “probable” status for eight years. Mike Burgess, Director General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), attributed the heightened threat level to increased tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7. Burgess noted, “The conflict has fuelled grievances, promoted protests, undermined social cohesion and elevated intolerance.”
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Recent months have seen several violent incidents in Australia, some linked to extremist motives. Notably, in April, Australian police classified a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop and his followers in Sydney as a terrorist act driven by suspected religious extremism.
