KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE. A FOCUS ON COUNTER- TERRORISM

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1 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE. A FOCUS ON COUNTER- TERRORISM

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3 PREMIER S AND MINISTER S MESSAGE South Australia is a strong, harmonious multicultural community of which we should all be proud. With South Australians coming from more than 200 countries, speaking a range of languages and practising varied religions, the strength of our communities and our connectedness is our greatest defence against those who seek to do us harm. Keeping South Australians safe is a priority. While our risk profile is relatively low and the vast majority of South Australians are peaceful and inclusive, the threat of terrorism, like other emergencies and serious crime, cannot be eliminated entirely. This is why we cannot be complacent Since September 2014, there have been five attacks and 14 major disruption operations in relation to imminent terrorist attack planning in Australia. Australia is not immune to terrorists who are targeting vulnerable people, including youth, and attempting to radicalise them to commit acts of violence. Intelligence also indicates there are Australians currently fighting or engaged with terrorist groups overseas where they are gaining specialist knowledge and skills. While not all will return to Australia, any who do would pose significant threat to our safety and security. Our strong preference is to disrupt and prevent plans to undertake acts of terror before anyone is hurt. This is achieved with connected intelligence gathering, strong legislation and highly specialised officers. Police have many powers designed to prevent criminal activity, including acts of terrorism, and keep people safe. We also have strong laws to prosecute and imprison those who seek to do us harm. However, as a community, we need to keep working together We must also continue to work with our partners local, national and international to ensure our legislation, capability and programs respond to the ever-changing nature of terror threats. Our approach aims to bring together individuals, communities, all levels of government, business and the non-profit sector to collectively enhance our ability to prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks. Our government will continue to strengthen our state s laws and arrangements and ensure our police force is well prepared to detect and disrupt terrorists and respond to incidents, while also protecting our vibrant and diverse South Australian community. Jay Weatherill Premier Hon Chris Picton MP Minister for Police KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 3

4 INTRODUCTION Everyone plays a part in keeping our community safe and reducing the threat of terrorism. Across business, community and government there are many initiatives and activities which collectively reduce the risk of terrorism and ensure we are ready to disrupt plans and respond to events if necessary. THE THREAT ENVIRONMENT The threat of terrorism is complex and ever-changing. We must remain vigilant and address new challenges as they emerge. The terrorist threat in Australia has not changed since September The threat level, under the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System, is Probable: credible intelligence, assessed by our security agencies, indicates that individuals or groups continue to possess the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. This means people should go about their daily business as usual but exercise caution and be aware of events around them. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Countering terrorism is a responsibility shared by all Australian governments, the community and private sector. The State Government is strengthening our laws, practices and programs designed to detect, disrupt and respond to acts of terror and stop people from being radicalised. By having laws consistent with the rest of the country, sharing information with other police forces and intelligence agencies and building our operational capability, expertise and programs, we are ensuring South Australia is not seen an easier place to conduct terrorist acts. LAWS TO KEEP SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE South Australia has high-performing law enforcement and security agencies and we must ensure they have powers to keep our community safe. Laws to prevent, disrupt and respond to terrorism are a mixture of Australian Government and South Australian laws. For many years, our laws have given police special powers to prevent and investigate terrorism and detain suspects for preventative reasons, and required transport operators to have counter-terrorism plans. In 2017, the South Australian Government passed new laws to give police and courts stronger powers to deal with terror suspects. 4 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

5 STRENGTHENING OUR INTELLIGENCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Federal agencies, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), local police forces and other government agencies work together to detect and disrupt acts of terrorism. This includes the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which enforces Commonwealth criminal law, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), which coordinates national security intelligence. The State Government is investing in more police officers. This will increase community safety generally, as well as the local capacity to detect and disrupt would-be terrorists. STRONG COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY A resilient and engaged community and private sector is central to countering terrorism, allowing us to push back against terrorists attempts to intimidate us and undermine social cohesion. There are many ways individuals, businesses and communities contribute to national security. Citizens and businesses play a critical role in reporting suspicious activity and putting plans and infrastructure in place to keep everyone safe. In many instances, businesses cooperate with the authorities to implement measures to increase security and strengthen our posture against terrorism. Our community is engaged and strengthened through programs and initiatives driven through schools, community groups, industry groups and other organisations. Citizens are empowered to report suspicious behaviour to authorities or seek help for those who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Owners and operators of critical infrastructure and places of mass gathering invest in protecting services that are essential to daily life. Building resilience is also about helping our citizens understand how they can increase their own safety should they be faced with an act of terror either at home or abroad. The Crowded Places Strategy, released in 2017, establishes nationally consistent messages for people to Escape. Hide. Tell. This captures advice that individuals should remove themselves from unsafe situations where possible, find a hiding place and decrease potential for detection by silencing phones and other devices. Individuals should contact authorities with details of the incident only when it is safe to do so. Further information is available on the national security website. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 5

6 REDUCING THE RISK Celebrating our cohesive multicultural community, reducing the risk of terrorism and challenging violent extremist ideologies. STRONG, COHESIVE, CONNECTED COMMUNITY A cohesive community, with diverse cultures and views is something to celebrate and protect. The ability to express diverse political, religious and ideological views is an important part of Australian life. Terrorism aims to undermine this. That is why our inclusive society is our best defence against violent extremist ideologies and the threat of terrorism. Strong community leaders from all walks of life are vital in bringing people together to find common ground and celebrate diversity. Community organisations deliver a range of programs to our citizens which increase their reliance, enables participation in activities and maintains social networks. KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE CONNECTED Social disconnection can make people vulnerable to radicalisation. The SA Government is working with community organisations and citizens to help them support people who may be disconnected or isolated. It is also delivering specific early intervention services to vulnerable young people, which includes helping them reconnect and engage with their families and communities. REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY All citizens can help prevent terrorism by being alert and reporting suspicious activity. In fact, community reports have helped prevent attacks. All and any information, no matter how small, is important and may be the missing piece that police need to prevent a terrorist attack. Anyone can report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on The public can also hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au and MMS Reports can be anonymous and all relevant information is passed on to police for investigation. 6 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

7 PROTECTING CROWDED PLACES Enjoying events in public spaces is a significant part of living in South Australia. Protecting public places relies on close cooperation with the community and owners/operators of crowded places. SA Police is working with organisations responsible for events and locations that draw large crowds to help them apply the National Crowded Places Strategy. Some of these organisations are also receiving accredited training in crowd science. In addition, owners and operators can access threat assessment tools online. SA Police regularly provide presentations to stakeholder groups and deliver threat assessments for specific events or locations. Owners and operators of crowded places are encouraged to make reasonable physical enhancements to protect the public. For example, protection barriers have been installed in Rundle Mall, at Adelaide Oval and near other critical locations to help protect crowds from hostile vehicle attacks. All these activities help keep people who work at, visit and use public places safe and make locations more resilient to terrorism. PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE Critical infrastructure, such as our telecommunications, electricity, gas, water and transport networks, enable the community to function normally and individuals to go about their daily business. We work with industry to ensure facilities and networks are secure to safeguard their services and protect the data they hold. The Commonwealth s Critical Infrastructure Centre is also working with the SA Government and local operators to reduce the potential for overseas entities to access and control Australia s critical infrastructure such as through direct ownership or third party contractual arrangements. STRENGTHENING FIREARM CONTROL In South Australia, people who are deemed unfit, including those with a propensity for violence and their associates, can be refused a firearms licence and ordered not to possess firearms under any circumstances. The State Government introduced new legislation, which came into effect in 2017, allowing police to issue Firearms Prohibition Orders and automatically disqualify people who are found guilty of serious offences from holding or obtaining firearms licences for longer periods. There is mandatory reporting of firearms being kept unsafely and higher standards for securing, storing and transporting firearms and ammunition. There is also a perpetual amnesty so people can surrender unwanted or illegal firearms. SA Police was actively involved in creating the National Firearms Identification Database, rolled out in 2016, which records a firearm s ownership history, including whether it is suspected of being stolen or used in a crime. SA Police also contributed to the revised National Firearms Agreement and continues to work with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to develop an Australian Firearms Information Network. REDUCING USE OF EXPLOSIVES SA Police will soon have more authority when responding to improvised explosive devices and bomb hoaxes. Under new legislation introduced by the State Government in 2017 and coming into effect in 2018, police will have greater authority to break, enter and search premises, and seize and destroy explosive devices and substances in certain circumstances. Individuals may be charged for: possessing, manufacturing or using explosive devices, possessing, using or supplying explosive substances, prescribed equipment and bomb-making instructions in suspicious circumstances without lawful excuse, and bomb hoaxes. These changes are targeted at criminal activity generally, but will also apply to potential terrorism activity. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 7

8 STOPPING PEOPLE FROM BECOMING TERRORISTS Helping individuals at risk of radicalisation as early as possible helps ensure harm does not come to them or others. We are working together to build resistance against all forms of violent extremism, whether politically, religiously or racially motivated. IDENTIFYING RADICALISED BEHAVIOUR There are many front line government workers who might become aware of people vulnerable to radicalisation. Awareness training has been provided to staff from agencies such as SA Police, Department for Correctional Services (DCS) and Youth Training Centres to help them identify signs of radicalised behaviour. Training materials are also available to other government agencies. FIXATED THREAT ASSESSMENTS SA Police is building stronger networks with health experts to strengthen the assessment and management of individuals who are fixated on a particular person or grievance, which they pursue to an irrational degree. This will reduce the threat to our community by identifying fixated people earlier and linking them with appropriate services. This builds on capabilities already in place and lessons learned from national and international partners, and forms part of a nationally coordinated approach to improve Australia s ability to respond to fixated individuals. STRENGTHENING OUR APPROACH TO COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM South Australia is strengthening coordination between all government agencies with a role in reducing radicalisation and violent extremism in our community, and ensuring appropriate programs are available for those who need them. Programs range from social cohesion and early intervention through to initiatives delivered during and after detention. This work is being delivered by the new SA Countering Violent Extremism Taskforce and key stakeholders will be engaged. 8 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

9 REDUCING EXTREMIST MATERIAL IN THE COMMUNITY Developments in technology, particularly information sharing platforms such as the internet and social media, have made it easier to share materials targeted at radicalising and recruiting people for acts of terrorism. Under new State Government legislation, police will be able to prosecute people who possess, collect or record information which could be used to help a person commit or prepare for a terrorist act. For example, this could include instructions to make a bomb or carry out a terrorist act. It will also be an offence for people to possess, disseminate or produce extremist material such as material that encourages, glorifies, promotes or condones terrorist acts. By stopping people from sharing terrorism material targeted at radicalising and recruiting people, police will be able to intervene early and help prevent escalation to violent extremism and terrorism. People with a legitimate public purpose, such as those who work in law enforcement, academia and media, will be exempt. RETURNING FOREIGN FIGHTERS Intelligence agencies are constantly monitoring the movements of Australians who are overseas and suspected of being involved in terrorist activities or fighting for terror groups. There are specific areas overseas that Australians cannot travel to because of the prevalence of terrorist activity. Local authorities will be notified if someone is trying to return to Australia so appropriate action can be taken to ensure they do not threaten our community at home. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 9

10 INVESTIGATING AND DISRUPTING TERRORIST ACTIVITY Sometimes, early intervention will not stop individuals from becoming radicalised. If security and law enforcement agencies identify that an individual has become a threat to themselves or others, that person will be investigated and monitored as appropriate. INTELLIGENCE AND INVESTIGATIONS Our police forces and intelligence agencies are constantly working to prevent terror activities by gathering and sharing vital intelligence through joint agency arrangements. SA Police, in conjunction with the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) works to detect and investigate individuals and groups displaying concerning behaviour or planning terror acts. All police and JCTT members involved in terrorism investigations have expertise and specialist capabilities in detecting and disrupting terrorism. This strong collaboration means suspected terrorism related activities can be prevented and disrupted swiftly. The AFP, ASIO and SA Police are part of the JCTT in South Australia, with DCS staff integrated to improve information sharing. SURVEILLANCE AND COVERT OPERATIONS SA Police and intelligence agencies have the authority to use covert, or undercover, operations to gather evidence of serious criminal behaviour, including terrorism. Surveillance devices are a critical tool in covert operations to prevent and disrupt terrorist activities which require careful strategic planning. Under the Surveillances Devices Act 2016, which commenced in December 2017, SA Police and other investigative agencies have greater scope to use material and information gathered through surveillance devices. This ability considers the nature and gravity of the criminal activity being investigated and the value of the material and information to the investigation, particularly in emergency situations and remote areas. 10 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

11 NATIONAL FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY Identity crime is a key enabler of terrorism and organised crime, and costs Australia more than $2 billion each year. To combat this, South Australia is working with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to implement facial recognition capability. This will allow law enforcement and national security agencies to identify criminals earlier, including potential terrorists, by matching peoples images with those on government record such as passports or drivers licences. Robust privacy safeguards are in place. MORE REAL TIME MONITORING OF CROWDED PLACES There is a growing CCTV network in areas across our state. Adelaide City Council s City Safe CCTV Network covers significant areas of the CBD and entertainment precinct, and is monitored 24/7 by SA Police s Security Control Centre. Recently, the State Government connected footage from 400 CCTV cameras in Adelaide Oval to the Police Operations Centre. This will give police real-time access to monitor events at the facility. Across the state, similar arrangements can exist locally between councils and police. While this type of initiative increases safety generally, it also increases the ability to disrupt and respond to threats in crowded places. ENHANCED SOCIAL MEDIA SCREENING FOR SAPOL The State Government provided additional funding to increase SA Police s social media monitoring capacity. This will strengthen its ability to detect and disrupt activity linked to terrorism, and is in addition to the intelligence capabilities of federal agencies. DETAINING SUSPECTS Under enhanced Commonwealth laws, SA Police will be able to detain individuals for up to 48 hours to prevent an imminent terror attack and stop evidence of terror attack planning being destroyed. SA Police can also seek preventative detention orders from a Judge for people they suspect: are preparing for and planning a terrorist act possess items connected to preparing for a terrorist act, or are engaging people in terrorism activities. These orders can last up to 14 days and help prevent terrorist acts. They cannot be applied to people under the age of 16. STOPPING ACCESS TO FUNDS Cutting off access to funds and certain property can disrupt criminal activity, including acts of terror and organised crime. Our courts have significant powers to: ensure proceeds of serious crime (either money or items) can be confiscated apply freezing orders to stop people transferring or withdrawing money from accounts in their name if the court is satisfied they have committed, or are about to commit, a serious offence or benefited from criminal activity ensure goods or property of people charged with or convicted of a serious offence cannot be sold or disposed of. This includes property believed to be proceeds of crime or used to commit a serious offence. These, along with other orders, can effectively prevent plans by stripping offenders of the ability to finance criminal activities, particularly serious and organised crime. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 11

12 EFFECTIVE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY Despite best efforts, acts of terror can occur. While South Australia s risk profile is relatively low, we are prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately to any acts of terror. HIGHLY TRAINED POLICE SA Police leads our efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to a terrorist act in our state, with support from emergency services agencies, other police and intelligence agencies and government departments. South Australia has the most police per capita of any state in Australia. Our officers are well-trained and highly-skilled, and every front-line police officer is trained to deal with armed offenders. SPECIAL POLICE POWERS Police have special powers to help prevent and investigate terrorist acts, subject to authorisation under the Terrorism (Police Powers) Act These powers can be used when they reasonably believe a terrorist act is imminent, is being committed or has happened. Police can: stop and search authorised suspects, people in their company, and anything in their possession or control require suspects and the people in their company to disclose their identity stop and search a vehicle enter and search a premises in an authorised area, and cordon off any authorised area or part of it. The Commissioner of Police can also declare areas, such as an airport, train, bus or tram station, site of a special event or public area, to be a special area because of the risk of a terrorist act occurring. Police can search bags, parcels or containers within special areas. If required, people can be detained to conduct searches. It is an offence if people do not comply with these orders without reasonable excuse. 12 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

13 DECLARED PUBLIC PRECINCT Following recent changes to the South Australian Summary Offences Act 1953, the South Australian Attorney-General can now declare certain designated areas as declared public precincts such as the site of a special event or busy public area. Within these declared precincts, SA Police are able to: search people and property in their possession for weapons using a metal detector carry out general drug detection order people or groups posing a risk to public safety to leave ban people who commit offences or who behave in an offensive or disorderly manner within a declared precinct for up to 24 hours remove children from the declared precinct who are in danger of physical harm or abuse, behaving in an offensive or disorderly manner, or otherwise committing or about to commit an offence. ABILITY TO RESPOND Multi-agency exercises are held regularly to test our capability, skills, systems and processes at both the state and national level. South Australia participated in Exercise Outback, a series of exercises held from August 2017, to test our national capability and legislation to prevent and respond to the threats posed by a terrorism suspect travelling across state lines. As part of the exercise, counter-terrorism officers and investigators were deployed across the country for three days to test investigative and surveillance capability. It has confirmed our state s and Australia s collective ability to effectively detect, respond to and prevent terrorist plots covering more than one jurisdiction. South Australia will continue to actively engage in exercises to ensure we remain vigilant and stand prepared to respond to the threat of terrorism by disrupting plots. The State Government has also been working with SA Police on measures to respond to terrorist incidents including the use of lethal force and the appropriate protections for Police in these circumstances. STRONGER LINKS WITH DEFENCE New measures, such as increased liaison, training and joint exercises, are making it easier for the ADF to help all state and territory police forces build response capabilities and provide assistance if a terrorism event does occur. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS SA Police constantly works with other police forces and intelligence agencies to identify threats, investigate matters, protect critical infrastructure, and, if necessary, respond to events. Our counter-terrorism arrangements are regularly reviewed in light of national and international events and we improve our arrangements in response to lessons learned from these events. BUSINESS CONTINUITY People in the community rely on the goods and services that businesses and non-profit organisations provide. Involving businesses and organisations in emergency planning increases the skills and experience available to help the community during an emergency event. Businesses are also encouraged to ensure their continuity plans promote flexible and adaptive delivery of goods and services in the event of any emergency, including a terrorist incident. HELPING THE COMMUNITY RECOVER Terror events significantly impact the community. The return to day-to-day activities is particularly important due to the psychological impacts of this type of event. After an event, the SA Government will coordinate support services to meet the immediate and longer term physical, social and wellbeing needs of the community. This support would be delivered through a broad range of community, social, health, financial and rebuilding services focused on the needs of the community. Information about public safety and recovery services will be provided for as long as necessary. A terrorism event often results in a spontaneous expression of grief, including temporary memorials of flowers and other tributes. The State Government will manage these memorials respectfully and consult with a broad range of stakeholders to decide the best way to proceed. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 13

14 DETAINING PEOPLE WHO ARE A RISK TO OUR COMMUNITY TERROR SUSPECT DETENTION Dangerous terror suspects will be more likely to be kept in prison. People with demonstrated support for or links to terrorism are less likely to get bail or parole, regardless of whether the offence which led to their arrest or imprisonment is linked to terrorist activity. These legislative changes were passed by South Australia s Parliament in 2017 and will come into operation in They are consistent with the national approach and respond to lessons from recent events. POST-SENTENCE SUPERVISION AND DETENTION OF HIGH RISK TERROR SUSPECTS To better protect the community, terror suspects who are still considered to be a threat to community safety can be placed under an extended supervision order at the end of their sentence, and can be returned to prison and detained if this supervision order is breached. Legislative changes passed by South Australia s Parliament in 2017 will ensure the current post-sentence supervision and continued detention regime for high-risk violent and sexual offenders will also apply to terror suspects aged 16 and above. These changes will come into effect during Police can act swiftly to arrest a high-risk offender who they reasonably suspect has breached their supervision order. Where the Parole Board is satisfied the breach occurred, they can direct the offender to be detained until the Supreme Court makes a decision about placing the offender under a continuing detention order to reduce risk to community safety. COMBATTING RADICALISATION IN PRISONS Prison officers will be equipped to identify early indicators of radicalisation and violent extremism in prisoners through the national Radicalisation, Extremist Awareness Program (REAP). DCS is building this capacity and rolling REAP out to wider custodial and community corrections staff. Specialist correctional services staff are also trained to assess the risk of violent extremism and radicalisation for specific prisoners so appropriate measures can be put in place. PRISON-BASED PROGRAMS FOR OFFENDERS At present there is an extremely small number of terrorismrelated offenders in South Australia s prisons. Rehabilitation needs would be addressed on an individual basis and draw on existing national programs which include engagement with religious leaders, psychological counselling and social worker support. Nationally recognised assessment tools are used to help identify potential violent extremism within our prison facilities. DCS and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) are working with other jurisdictions to strengthen our collective ability to respond to offenders radicalised to violent extremism. We will ensure effective programs are in place to identify and manage high-risk offenders within our prisons and the juvenile justice system. 14 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

15 OUR STATE AND NATIONAL FRAMEWORK Our work to protect South Australia from terrorism is supported by strong state emergency management arrangements and is aligned with the national agenda. STATE ARRANGEMENTS We have strong emergency management arrangements in place in South Australia which apply across all types of emergencies, including terrorism. South Australia s Emergency Management Act 2004 (the Act) establishes an emergency management framework for the state that promotes effective decision making, comprehensive and integrated planning and community resilience. The Act establishes the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), which has legislated functions and powers associated with providing leadership and maintaining oversight of emergency management planning in the state, including developing and maintaining the State Emergency Management Plan. The SEMC reports to the Emergency Management Council, a committee of Cabinet established by the Premier to provide strategic direction and executive government coordination of South Australia s emergency management arrangements, including during an emergency event. THE NATIONAL AGENDA The Council of Australian Governments (COAG which includes all state and territory First Ministers and the Prime Minister) remains dedicated to ensuring that as a nation we have necessary and consistent laws and practices in place to keep our country safe. In 2015, COAG released Australia s Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Strengthening our Resilience, which focuses on prevention as the first line of defence. It also outlines the strength of our collective capability to disrupt planning and, if necessary, respond to and recover from acts of terror. It also describes how we evaluate our counter-terrorism efforts through governance and accountability frameworks. The strategy is complemented by Australia s National Counter- Terrorism Plan, which was strengthened in 2017 and provides an overarching strategic framework for Australia s counter-terrorism arrangements. The plan provides clear governance, jurisdictional and operational arrangements for preparing for, preventing, responding to and recovering from domestic terrorist attacks. Australia s national counter-terrorism coordinating body, the Australia- New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC), meets regularly to monitor and assess the effectiveness of counter-terrorism arrangements to ensure that the correct arrangements are in place to respond to dynamic threats. From early intervention through to detention, strong arrangements are in place to protect our community from terrorism. The South Australian Government will continue to work with partners to ensure our legislation, capability and programs remain responsive to the changing nature of terrorism. Police officers and government staff will continue to receive training designed to improve the shared ability to prevent and disrupt acts of terror. Countering violent extremism and protecting vulnerable people from radicalisation is vital. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe from those who seek to do us harm. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 15

16 HOW CITIZENS CAN HELP We can all help prevent terrorism by being alert to and reporting suspicious activity. Community reports of suspicious activity have helped prevent attacks. All and any information, no matter how small, is important and may be the missing piece that police need to prevent a terrorist attack. The nature of terrorism is changing. Callers now provide information on websites or social media promoting violent extremist ideology, suspicious travel planning, or someone they know who is becoming radicalised towards violent extremism. CALL 000 FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES If you are ever in an emergency situation or you witness a terrorist attack occurring, contact triple zero 000. This is a free call from any phone in Australia, even a phone box or disconnected mobile phone. For Text Telephone (TTY) users (hearing/speech impaired) call 106. After dialling 000, an operator will ask which service you require ambulance, police or fire. When on the phone, it is important to remain calm and speak slowly. Do not hang up until the operator has received the required information. BE A SMART TRAVELLER Terrorism is a worldwide threat and terrorist groups abroad have been known to target foreigners and places where foreign visitors gather. These include places such as hostels, transport systems, nightlife areas and other landmarks. If planning an overseas trip you should check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smart Traveller website smarttraveller.gov.au for up-to-date information and advice on the security situation in all foreign countries. This will inform you of the level of risk you may face, so that you can make informed decisions about where and when to travel overseas. CONTACT CRIME STOPPERS You can report information about any crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling or reporting online at crimestopperssa.com.au. CONTACT THE NATIONAL SECURITY HOTLINE If you see or hear something that seems suspicious, call the National Security Hotline on You can report information anonymously. Relevant information will be passed on to appropriate state and territory police for investigation. If you do not speak English well, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on and ask them to contact the National Security Service and interpret for you. For TTY users the number is Overseas callers should contact the Hotline on (+61) You can also hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au and MMS the National Security Hotline. 16 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

17 STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED Well-established and practised communication channels used in other emergencies would also be used during a terrorist incident. Warnings and information would be provided to the community through SA Police, as well as other emergency services websites and social media and emergency broadcasters such as the ABC. CERTAIN EXPECTED PROBABLE POSSIBLE NOT EXPECTED The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS) informs Australians about the likelihood of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia to enable authorities, businesses and individuals to undertake appropriate measures to protect and preserve life and property. The NTTAS has five levels to indicate the national threat level. When the threat level changes, the Commonwealth Government provides advice on what the new threat level means, where the threat is coming from, potential targets, and how a terrorist act may be carried out. The National Terrorism Threat Level is regularly reviewed in line with the security environment and intelligence. South Australians should be aware that the threat level can change and consider the advice of the Commonwealth Government. Should a serious event occur, relief and recovery arrangements will commence almost immediately to ensure that affected members of the community have their needs addressed, and that recovery can commence as soon as possible. KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM 17

18 CONTACTS SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE Website: police.sa.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/sapolicenews Twitter: twitter.com/sapolicenews Current information and advice. ABC RADIO Website: abc.net.au/news/emergency/state/sa Radio: 5AN 891 AM Broadcast of emergency information and warnings. EMERGENCY ALERT You may receive alerts about emergencies in your local area from Emergency Alert, the national telephone warning system, including voice to landlines and text messages to mobile phones based on their last recorded location. Find out how Emergency Alerts works. DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL INCLUSION Website: sa.gov.au/recovery Facebook: SA Recovery facebook.com/sarecoveryinfo Phone hotline: (during an event) Latest relief and recovery information to support individuals, communities and businesses affected by major emergencies. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT Website: nationalsecurity.gov.au Details on the current National Terrorist Threat Level and the nature of the threat. Information for governments and businesses on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorism. AUSTRALIAN SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE ORGANISATION: BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT LIAISON UNIT Website: bglu.asio.gov.au Security advice to Australian businesses. 18 KEEPING SOUTH AUSTRALIANS SAFE A FOCUS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM

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20 All stock photography used for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in the content is a model. istockphoto.com