Protecting Queensland from security, terrorism and foreign interference
National arrangements
Current National Terrorism Threat Level
Australia’s general terrorism level is PROBABLE – there is a greater than fifty per cent chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next twelve months.
The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System is a scale of five levels to advise about the likelihood of an act of terrorism in Australia. The National Terrorism Threat Level is regularly reviewed in line with the security environment and intelligence.
When the threat level changes, the Australian Government explains what the threat level means, where the threat is coming from, potential targets and how a terrorist act may be carried out. This information will be conveyed to the Queensland public as part of national announcements.
National approach
Strong partnerships between Australian governments and the Australian community, industry and our international partners are critical to lowering the risk of a terrorist incident and strengthening our ability to respond to, and recover from, an incident. What Australia is doing.
Australia's Counter-Terrorism Strategy and National Counter-Terrorism Plan ensures that Australia is one step ahead of terrorist acts.
Laws to combat terrorism
Australia has a range of laws to help manage the threat of terrorism. This includes laws dealing with terrorism offences, and laws that enable the Government to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks. Australia’s counter-terrorism laws are always under review to ensure they remain relevant
Queensland’s Strategy and Plan supports Australia’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the National Counter-Terrorism Plan.
Role of the Queensland Government
Queensland’s approach to combatting terrorism is outlined in its Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Counter-Terrorism Plan.
Queensland Police Service
The Queensland Police Service has a dedicated counter-terrorism unit.
Help protect Queensland
Do your part to help protect Queensland from terrorism and violent extremism and foreign interference by:
Reporting suspicious activity or behaviour
You can report suspicious activity or concerning behaviour relating to terrorism or foreign interference by calling the 24hour National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. This is a free call from any phone in Australia and you can remain anonymous.
Trained operators take every call seriously and information is passed on to Australia’s police and security agencies for analysis and further investigation.
These are some examples of suspicious activities or concerning behaviours:
Terrorism and violent extremism
- someone threatening to harm people or damage infrastructure
- use of websites or social media promoting violent extremist ideology
- unusual excess purchasing of chemicals or other dangerous materials
- suspicious travel planning or abandoned luggage
- someone you’re concerned is at risk of becoming radicalised
Foreign interference
Foreign interference is an activity carried out by or on behalf of a foreign government. The activity may be coercive, threatening, deceptive or clandestine. It undermines Australia's sovereignty, values and national interests.
- community members being intimidated or harassed by someone linked to a foreign government
- surveillance of protest activity or threats to political activists
- someone being coerced to return to their home country
- unauthorised people trying to access sensitive information or places
For information on suspicious behaviour specifically for owners and operators of priority critical infrastructure sites, contact your local Queensland Police Service Security and Counter-Terrorism Network officer or email counter.terrorism@police.qld.gov.au
Anyone who sees anything suspicious can also contact Policelink on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Report online extremist material, you can report anonymously. Extremist material online could include:
- articles, images, speeches or videos that encourage hate or violence
- statements or posts made on social media, chat rooms or blogs that encourage hate or violence
- content encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism
- websites created or hosted by terrorist organisations
- terrorist training materials
- suspicious content regarding use or sale of chemicals online
- videos or images of terrorist attacks
Protect your business
Crowded places
Crowded places are attractive terrorist targets. Learn what you need to do as a business to protect your site and what you can do as an individual to keep yourself safe.
In the event of an attack, what you do matters. Although Australia is a safe country, we are still at risk from terrorist attacks. In the unlikely event you are facing an attackers armed with a gun, knife or similar weapon, it is important to be prepared to react quickly. You need to remember three words: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.
- ESCAPE – move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if safe to do so.
- HIDE – stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
- TELL – call the police by dialling Triple Zero (000) when it is safe.
All situations are different. You will need to make quick decisions during an attack and be prepared to change your plan. Remembering the ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL. principles will help in deciding what to do.
In some situations, you may still need to hide once you have escaped the immediate area.
Learn more on what to do in an attack.
Security and Counter-Terrorism Network
The Queensland Police Service has enhanced the counter-terrorism capacity of our police by establishing the Security and Counter-Terrorism Network of specialist officers across the State.
These officers support the objective of the National Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism by maintaining a strong and sustainable partnership between the Queensland Government and the private sector, through better access to threat and protective security information.
With this information, the owners and operators of crowded places will be in a better position to protect their crowed places against terrorism.
A well-considered and tested protective security plan reduces the likelihood of a terrorist attack and mitigate the consequences of such an attack. To contact the Security and Counter-Terrorism Network please email counter.terrorism@police.qld.gov.au
Critical infrastructure
Critical infrastructure provides services that are essential for everyday life such as energy, food, water, transport, communications, health and banking and finance. Owners and Operators of critical infrastructure will find information and support by visiting the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre website.
Reduce and minimise use of weapons and explosives
The Queensland Government recognises the importance of strong regulation around weapons and explosives to limit the opportunity for terrorism by these means. In Queensland, the possession and use of firearms and dangerous weapons is legislated under the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld).
The Queensland Police Service are also actively involved and work collaboratively with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission about the registration, licensing and movement of firearms coming into Australia and moving between our states and territories.
In March 2023, the Queensland Parliament passed the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack’s Law) Amendment Act 2022, and it commenced in April 2023. Jack’s Law enables metal detecting wands to be used to detect knives being carried in public spaces and gives police the powers to issue penalties for unlawfully possessing a knife in a public space.
Terrorist can use certain chemicals found in everyday products to make bombs or toxic weapons. Businesses are responsible for keeping these chemicals safe and in the right hands. Additional information on hazardous chemicals emergency planning will provide guidance to workplaces in achieving chemical safety.
Transport security
The Department of Transport and Main Roads, in partnership with other organisations, are accountable for surface transport security outcomes in Queensland, focussing on security and resilience of Queensland’s transport system against an act of terrorism and other unlawful acts. More on transport security.