Australia has elevated its terror threat level from “possible” to “probable,” due to a notable rise in extremist ideologies within the country. The government has cautioned that there is now a greater than 50% likelihood of a domestic attack being planned within the next year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the change on Monday after receiving recommendations from security services, though he stressed that no immediate threat exists. “The advice we have received indicates that more Australians are adopting a wider array of extreme ideologies, and we must remain vigilant,” he stated during a press conference. The threat level had been reduced to “possible” in 2022 following eight years at “probable.”
Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the clash between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, has influenced the decision. “The conflict has incited grievances, spurred protests, weakened social cohesion, and increased intolerance,” Burgess said.
In recent months, Australia has witnessed several violent incidents, some of which have been linked to extremism. In April, police categorized a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop and his followers in Sydney as a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism.