ASIO maintains terror threat level despite explosive caravan discovery
ASIO has announced that despite the discovery of an explosive-laden caravan and rising anti-Semitic incidents, the national terrorism threat level will remain at PROBABLE.
ASIO boss Mike Burgess states that the terrorism threat level remains unchanged following the discovery of a caravan loaded with explosives.
In a rare public statement, Burgess affirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety, though he acknowledged that the incidents are concerning.
"ASIO is monitoring and, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, investigating multiple anti-Semitic incidents in Australia," he stated.
"We have seen a disturbing escalation in the targeting of Jewish interests, and a disturbing escalation in the severity and recklessness of the targeting, with general harassment and intimidation moving to the targeting of people and places."
"These incidents are appalling, and particularly distressing for the Jewish community."
"While ASIO keeps the national terrorism threat level under constant review, I do not anticipate changing the threat level from PROBABLE in the immediate future."
"PROBABLE means probable - we assess there is a greater than 50% chance of a domestic terrorist attack or attack planning in the next 12 months."
"The current terrorism threat level is the same as it was at the height of the Islamic State caliphate."
"While the caravan matter in New South Wales remains under police investigation, ASIO does not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety."
"I understand how distressing these incidents are, and want to assure members of the community ASIO is using the full range of its capabilities to assist multiple police investigations, including through the well-established structures of Joint Counter Terrorism Teams around the country."
