National Counter-Terrorism Alert System
Queensland Industry fact sheet
About the National Counter-Terrorism Alert System
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The National Counter-Terrorism Alert System is made up of four levels: low, medium,
high and extreme. These levels communicate the risk of terrorism to Australia.
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The National Counter-Terrorism Alert System reflects the level of national preparation
and planning to counter the risk of terrorism. It also indicates levels of vigilance and
awareness needed by the community, industry and government to minimise the risk of
a terrorist incident occurring.
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The Australian Government Counter-Terrorism Committee regularly reviews alert
levels, based on the security environment.
Levels of the Alert System
The National Counter-Terrorism Alert System is made up of four levels of alert.
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Low
Medium
High
Extreme
Terrorist attack is not expected
Terrorist attack could occur
Terrorist attack is likely
Terrorist attack is imminent or has occurred
How the new Alert System is applied
Across Australia
The levels of the National Counter-Terrorism Alert System can be applied across Australia
to guide national preparation and planning, as well as the precautions and awareness
needed to reduce the risk of a terrorist incident occurring. Levels are an indicator of the
general risk of the terrorist threat to Australia.
To states
The Alert System allows for the levels of alert to be raised or lowered for individual states
and territories.
To industry
The Alert System enables the alert level to be varied for different industry or business
sectors, depending on the general assessed threat or incident of terrorism within a sector.
In Queensland, industry and business will continue to receive specific information from the
Queensland Police Service to assist with vigilance and planning.
September 2009
To locations
The flexibility of the Alert System means a geographic location can receive an alert level
specific to its assessed threat or risk of terrorism. The alert level can be raised or lowered
across different regions of Australia.
When will the alert level change?
A change to the alert level would be considered when security intelligence or an incident,
either locally or internationally, show the need for greater vigilance and preparedness of
industry and business sectors or various parts of the community.
The Australian Government Counter-Terrorism Committee reviews the alert levels in close
consultation with states and territories. The review is based on assessments of the threat
environment, operational activities and local intelligence.
Who will communicate a change in alert level?
A change in alert level will be communicated nationally by the Prime Minister or
representative.
In Queensland, the Premier and the Queensland Police Service will provide information
specific to our state.
Need more information?
For more information on counter-terrorism activities in Queensland visit
www.safeguarding.qld.gov.au
REMEMBER:
Reporting small pieces of information about suspicious behaviour can help continue to
keep Australia safe from terrorism. You could help police and security agencies complete
the picture.
If you see anything suspicious call the 24-hour National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Trained operators take every call seriously and you can remain anonymous.
September 2009