New Terror Alert System

The Age

Wednesday October 1, 2008

Brendan Nicholson

THE Federal Government has changed the national terrorism alert system to lessen the disruption in areas or industries not under threat.

Previously, if police and intelligence services believed an attack might occur in a particular location, then the alert level for the whole country would be raised.

It will also be possible for the Government to raise the alert level for specific industries such as aviation if they believe aircraft may be targeted while avoiding an alert at railway stations.

At present the alert level is "medium", which means authorities believe a terrorist attack could occur in Australia.

The new system announced by Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday can be applied to specific areas so the rest of the country can get on with normal life.

The system comes into force today. -- BRENDAN NICHOLSON

© 2008 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home