Australia downgrades terrorism threat level for first time in 8 years

Australia has had 11 terrorist attacks, and disrupted another 21 plots, since the threat level was elevated from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’ in 2014

But the country’s main spy agency said on Monday that the factors prompting that move now no longer exist, or only persist to a lesser degree

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Australian police officers stand outside a property in a suburb of Melbourne during a counterterrorism raid in 2018. Photo: AAP via Reuters

Published: 2:04pm, 28 Nov 2022Updated: 2:35pm, 28 Nov 2022

Australia lowered its terrorism threat level on Monday to “possible” from “probable” for the first time in eight years, citing a reduced risk of attacks from extremists.

The level was raised in 2014, spurred 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.

But spy agency the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said the factors prompting the threat level no longer exist or only persist to a lesser degree.

“While Australia remains a potential terrorist target, there are fewer extremists with the intention to conduct an attack onshore,” Mike Burgess, its director general of security, told reporters.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess talks to the media in Canberra on Monday. Photo: AAP Image via AP

However, the change did not mean all terror threats had been extinguished, Burgess said.

“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,” he added.