National Security

National security is all about keeping Australians safe and secure. PM&C helps the Prime Minister and the Government to make decisions on national security issues.

The National Security Division of PM&C advises the Prime Minister on how to deal with threats to the nation’s security. We help the government make decisions on protecting Australia’s borders and preventing organised crime. We advise on defence strategies and responding to major security crises. We also advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary on national security policy issues considered in Cabinet meetings.

The Office of the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator oversees all efforts to prevent and counter terrorism in Australia. It advises on the full spectrum of counter-terrorism issues from challenging extremist ideologies through to effective response and recovery in the event of a terrorist attack.

The National Security Division and the OCTC anticipate Australia’s security challenges and develop policies to deal with them. We work closely with state and territory governments, other government departments, law enforcement and crisis management agencies, and the private sector to keep Australia safe and secure.

Information Sharing and Intelligence Division ensures that Australia’s national security agencies share information with the right people securely and at the right time. We also advise the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on:

• intelligence policy issues
• national intelligence priorities
• evaluation of national intelligence outcomes
• intelligence related legislation.

Current Threat Environment

The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System informs the public about the likelihood of a terrorist act occurring in Australia. It also assists government leaders and security officials in planning for, and responding to, terrorism.

For information on the current threat level see the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System web page.

Independent National Security Legislation Monitor

The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) is appointed under the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010 (the Act). The INSLM’s role is to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia’s counter-terrorism and national security legislation.