Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

McINTOSH () (): My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Will the minister please update the House on how the Morrison government is keeping Australians safe in an increasingly complex threat environment—especially the steps we are taking to counter violent extremism in all its forms?

Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question, and I thank her for the dedication that she has shown to make sure that her community remains safe and secure.

Last night, the Director-General of Security presented his Annual Threat Assessment. His assessment is that our terrorist threat level remains at probable, which is where it has been for a number of years now. That means that there is credible intelligence that there are people out there who have the intent and the capability to do us harm. Our security outlook has been complex for some time, challenging and changing, and, as the director-general said last night, the pandemic has added another level of complexity to our security outlook.

We've seen that people have had increased time to be online, and that has created a number of security challenges for us. Again, as the director-general said last night:

Online radicalisation is nothing new, but COVID-19 sent it into overdrive.

That's why the Morrison government have taken steps to make sure that our agencies are well resourced, and, just earlier this month, I announced an extra $61.7 million for measures to counter violent extremism. Our investment in some very practical programs within local communities includes early intervention and rehabilitation programs with a focus on regional and rural Australia.

Australians know that a coalition government can be trusted with national security matters. We've made sure that we have well-resourced agencies, and that includes making sure that there is an extra $1.3 billion for ASIO. We've legislated to keep Australians safe from terrorists at the end of their jail term, and we've listed The Base, Sonnenkrieg Division and the entirety of Hezbollah as terrorist organisations. These groups are stains on Australia's very rich cultural fabric, and the coalition government will never, ever, ever take a step backwards when it comes to looking after our national security. The people of Australia absolutely understand that, when it comes to national security, when it comes to keeping Australians safe, the coalition have demonstrated time and time and time again that we will do what it takes to keep Australians safe and secure. We have always taken a responsible approach to national security, and we will not stop. We will keep doing everything to look after Australia. (Time expired)

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.