Australia has experienced several actual and thwarted terrorist incidents.

Recent Victorian incidents include the 2014 Endeavour Hills stabbing, the 2018 Mill Park stabbing, and the 2018 Bourke Street stabbing.

The Australian domestic terrorist threat environment has undergone significant transformation marked by the September 2014 attack on two members of the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team at Endeavour Hills.

 

All links in the table below will open in a new window.
Publish year Assurance activity Summary Organisation
The transnational element of a ‘domestic’ problem: policy solutions to countering right-wing violent extremism in Australia (External link) A report that looks at four case studies to highlight important transnational dimensions of right-wing violent extremism, as well as expanding the way governments understand the threat and craft policy in response Australian Strategic Policy Institute
2009 Preparedness to respond to terrorism incidents: essential services and critical infrastructure (External link) An audit examining Victoria's preparedness to respond to terrorism incidents relating to essential services and critical infrastructure, it found that governance arrangements to assist owners/operators of critical infrastructure and and declared essential services to prepare to respond to terrorism incidents are at different stages of development across sectors. Victorian Auditor-General's Office
2009 Preparedness to Respond to Terrorism Incidents Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure (External link) An examination of the state’s preparedness to respond to terrorism incidents, relating to essential services and critical infrastructure, it found that governance arrangements to assist owners/operators of critical infrastructure and operators of declared essential services to prepare to respond to terrorism incidents are at different stages of development across sectors. The audit examined the activities of Victoria Police and seven Victorian government departments. Victorian Auditor-General's Office
2014 Victorian Review of Counter-Terrorism Legislation (External link) An evaluation of the operation, effectiveness and implications of Victoria's counter-terrorism legislation. Department of Justice and Regulation
2017 Expert panel on terrorism and violent extremism prevention and response powers - report 2 (External link) A report focusing on prevention and early intervention in relation to emerging risks of violent extremism, including an examination of the full spectrum of policies and programs to counter the risk of terrorism. Department of Premier and Cabinet
2017 Expert panel on terrorism and violent extremism prevention and response powers - report 1 (External link) The first report on how Victoria's legislation, powers and procedures are working to prevent, monitor, investigate and respond to terrorism. It contains 16 recommendations covering the use of force, investigative and preventative detention, presumptions against bail and parole, special police powers during declared events and the protection of criminal intelligence. Department of Premier and Cabinet
2020 Review of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 Stage One Report (External link) A review of the Act to inform government decisions on its sunset clause, which would see the Act expire on 1 December 2021 (unless extended through legislative amendment), agencies with statutory obligations or a significant role under the Act were invited to give feedback on the operation of the Act and suggest issues to be explored in Stage Two. Department of Justice and Regulation
2021 Review of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 Stage Two Report (External link) Stage Two review of the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003, it presents findings into Chapters 2-6 covering the ongoing need for the Act, the sunset and review clauses contained, safeguards to and oversight of the powers (including those related to children and other vulnerable persons), and proposals to support Victoria Police’s operational effectiveness in using powers granted by the Act. Department of Justice and Regulation
2021 Counterterrorism Yearbook 2021 (External link) The yearbook provides an overview of current trends and the terrorism landscape in Australia, and an analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on terrorist threats globally. Trends include the impact of social media and technology on terrorist events and radicalisation, and a nexus between terrorism and organised crime. The yearbook outlines strong examples of prevention and strategies to counter violent extremism and provides governments and counterterrorism practitioners with contemporary analysis of current and emerging challenges and offers key policy recommendations to combat radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms. Australian Strategic Policy Institute
2022 Inspection Report by the Victorian Inspectorate on Victoria Police records inspected in February 2021 (External link) This report presents the results of an inspection conducted by the Victorian Inspectorate of Victoria Police records under the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003. The Inspectorate provides independent oversight of Police powers by conducting six-monthly inspections (where operational records are available) and reporting to Parliament as well as the Attorney General. The report makes four findings of non-compliance, and five recommendations. Independent