A Safer Australia: Annual Counter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Strategy

Key Chapter Title List

1. Understanding Australia's Threat Environment
2. Persistent Threats
3. Emerging Challenges
4. A Sound Legal Framework
5. Strategic Core: Prevention through Supported and Resilient Communities
6. Protecting Youth from Violent Extremism
7. Reducing Exposure to Online Violent Extremist Content
8. Addressing Persistent and Emerging Threats
9. Strengthening Domestic and International Partnerships
10. Action Plan
11. Key Definitions
12. Resource Guide

Document Introduction

In August 2024, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) raised the National Terrorism Threat Level to "Probable," reflecting the complex challenges facing the country's security environment due to socio-political changes, erosion of trust, and technological innovation. "A Safer Australia: 2025 Counter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Strategy" serves as a national response framework, integrating the efforts of government, community, academia, and industry to strengthen national resilience against current and future terrorism and violent extremism threats.

The report systematically outlines four core characteristics of Australia's threat environment: the threat of lone-actor offenders, accelerated violent radicalization, increased involvement of minors, and the intertwining of diverse driving factors. Persistent threats include incitement by foreign entities, religiously motivated violent extremism, ideologically motivated violent extremism (particularly nationalist and racist orientations), and the potential risks posed by the release of high-risk terrorism offenders; emerging challenges focus on rising youth involvement, the spread of hybrid, ambiguous, and unstable ideologies, and the use of digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, and online gaming platforms) for recruitment, incitement, and planning of violent activities.

With "prevention first" as its core principle, the strategy is built upon five action pillars: prevention through supported and resilient communities, protecting youth from violent extremism, reducing exposure to online violent extremist content, addressing persistent and emerging threats, and strengthening domestic and international partnerships. Each pillar clearly defines existing measures, areas for enhancement, and pathways for public engagement. Examples include providing end-to-end support through the National Support and Intervention Plan (NSIP), promoting the nationwide help platform "Step Together," and updating the "ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL." emergency guidance to cover diverse groups.

In terms of legal and institutional safeguards, Australia has established a robust framework including the *Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Act 2023* and the *Online Safety Act 2021*, granting necessary powers to law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and enabling multi-jurisdictional coordination through Joint Counter Terrorism Teams (JCTTs). At the international cooperation level, Australia leverages multilateral mechanisms such as the Five Eyes alliance, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), and the Christchurch Call Foundation to enhance intelligence sharing, content governance, and regional capacity building.

The report emphasizes that counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism require the participation of the entire society. The public can play a role by recognizing signs of radicalization, reporting suspicious behavior, and supporting early intervention. Through a clear action plan and resource guide, the strategy provides an actionable framework for government agencies, community organizations, families, and individuals, aiming to ensure Australia remains a safe and inclusive society through collective and sustained efforts.