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 Robust 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 the country's security environment faces from socio-political changes, erosion of trust, and technological innovation. A Safer Australia: Counter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Strategy 2025 serves as a national response framework, integrating the efforts of government, communities, academia, and industry. It aims 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 from lone actor offenders, the acceleration of violent radicalization, increased involvement of minors, and the intertwining of diverse drivers. 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 the rising involvement of youth, 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 as its core principle, the strategy is built upon five pillars of action: 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 specifies existing measures, areas for enhancement, and pathways for public engagement. For example, it provides end-to-end support through the National Support and Intervention Program (NSIP), promotes the national help-seeking platform 'Step Together', and updates the 'ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.' emergency guidance to cover diverse groups.

Regarding 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. Coordination across jurisdictions is achieved through Joint Counter Terrorism Teams (JCTTs). At the international 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 strengthen intelligence sharing, content governance, and regional capacity building.

The report emphasizes that countering terrorism and violent extremism requires the participation of all citizens. The public can contribute 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. It aims to ensure Australia remains a safe and inclusive society through collective and sustained efforts.