The Acting Commonwealth Attorney General, Senator Chris Ellison, today announced that the Government had received credible information of a possible terrorist attack in Australia at some time over the next couple of months. The information was generalised and non-specific as to possible targets and precise timing.

Information of a general nature received on 14 November has been supplemented by further information on 18 November suggesting Australia as a possible target. The information is linked broadly to the general alerts in the United States and the United Kingdom and is non-specific on timing and possible targets.

The Commonwealth has decided to advise the general public of the alert and, at the same time, to give every assurance that everything possible is being done to prevent an attack. Since the attacks on September 11, security agencies throughout Australia have been on heightened alert and much work has been done to upgrade security arrangements and facilities.

The current alert will remain in place until at least the end of the year and members of the public are being encouraged to be alert and to advise the relevant authorities, such as the local police, of any concerns or suspicious activities.

All agencies are asked to ensure that the security arrangements they have in place adequately reflect the current security environment. Staff should be required to display personal identification at all times and appropriate arrangements should be put in place for visitors to all government premises.

Unattended packages and other objects should be brought to the notice of the building security who should, as necessary, report any suspicious items to the local area police commander. As with the general public, all staff should heighten their vigilance in relation to their work place and report any concerns to their immediate supervisors.

The Government views the security environment in a very serious light and has recently introduced a series of measures to ensure that the risk to the public is minimised and that, as far as possible, the best possible protection is provided.

All employees need to be aware of their environment and to be alert to any situation that seems to depart from their normal day to day operational patterns.

Bob Carr
Premier