Australia has lowered its terrorism threat level from “probable” to “possible” after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO) assessment.
The ASIO recently concluded that the factors that contributed to raising the terrorism threat level no longer exist, or persist to a lesser degree. The organisation also cited a reduced risk of attacks from extremists.
“The reduction in the threat level reflects the maturity of Australia’s counter-terrorism frameworks, laws and resourcing,” Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil said.
The terrorism threat level was previously raised in 2014, which was brought about by concerns over the number of Australians believed to be fighting overseas with Islamist militant groups and the likelihood of terror attacks by those radicalised in Iraq or Syria.
“While Australia remains a potential terrorist target, there are fewer extremists with the intention to conduct an attack onshore,” ASIO Director General of Security Mike Burgess told reporters.
But while the terrorism threat level has been lowered, Minister O’Neil states that the threat of terrorism is far from extinguished.
“I want all Australians to understand that a lower threat level does not mean a lower operational tempo for our security agencies,” she said.
ASIO Director-General Burgess states that it was still plausible that terrorism could occur within the country at any time.
“It remains plausible that someone will die at the hands of a terrorist in Australia within the next 12 months – although, of course, (we) will work around the clock to prevent that from happening,” he said.
Last month, the federal government decided to repatriate four Australian women and their 13 children from a Syrian refugee camp.
This move revived a controversial programme that has been criticised by the Liberal-National opposition.
ASIO Director-General Burgess said the decision took into account the move to repatriate the group, related to dead or jailed fighters from the militant Islamic State group.
The offshore networks, capabilities and allure of radical Islamic groups have been degraded with their support in Australia fading though it has not yet disappeared.
“While ASIO considered all these factors when deciding to lower the terrorism threat level, I can almost guarantee it will need to go up again at some point in the future,” ASIO Director-General Burgess said.
Source: Reuters. Content has been edited for style and length.