Terrorism is a constant threat to national and international security.
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy is underpinned by partnerships between all levels of government, communities, and the private sector, and is designed to safeguard Australia, its people and its interests from the harms of terrorism and violent extremism.
Australia’s counter-terrorism efforts are detailed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy is based on three key objectives:
- Counter violent extremism in all its forms by preventing radicalisation of individuals before an attack takes place, and rehabilitating and reintegrating violent extremist offenders.
- Equip law enforcement, security intelligence and other operational agencies with the resources and powers to tackle terrorist threats.
- Ensure that Australia’s counter-terrorism arrangements are resilient, collaborative, consistent and proportionate, both nationally and internationally.
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing is a key focus of the strategy which seeks to regulate those activities and services that have a higher money laundering/terrorism financing risk. Other focus areas include intelligence gathering and sharing, border and transport security, diplomacy, defence, and building counter-terrorism capacity.
These objectives will be achieved through the following steps:
- Prevent – preventing attacks at an individual and systematic level.
- Prepare – being ready to respond to the threat.
- Respond – intervening to protect lives.
- Recover – supporting individuals and communities.
The implementation of these steps will be facilitated by regional and international partnerships.
The importance of partnerships
DFAT states that the key to successfully implementing Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy is regional and international partnerships. An integrated approach, working in close collaboration with a range of partners, helps to save lives. Partnerships include engagement with:
- Local governments, law enforcement and security agencies.
- Private sector and civil society.
- International governments, institutions, and law enforcement/security agencies.
As the world becomes more globalised and interconnected, there is an increasing focus on international engagement through advocacy, cooperation, and capacity and capability building. Australia seeks to expand its international counter-terrorism partnerships network, working with partners to share information and best practices, and reduce the appeal, influence and effectiveness of terrorism and violent extremism.
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Plan
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Plan outlines the arrangements, governance and operational responsibilities of Australian governments and agencies engaged in countering terrorism. It sets the framework for prevention activities, the response to, investigation of, and recovery from, terrorist acts. It also outlines the preparations needed to support these activities.
The Plan sits below and complements Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Key takeaways
Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Plan leverage regional and international partnerships to protect Australia from global terrorism threats. Taking a cooperative approach and sharing information and best practices amongst partners is the key to preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from attacks, and ensures that law enforcement and security agencies are equipped to target the threat of terrorism.
