George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

As you would be aware, on September last year the terrorism threat level was raised to high for the first time and has since stayed there, regrettably, since the environment has, if anything, become more dangerous. Since September last year, 23 people have been charged as a result of eight counter-terrorism operations on the Australian mainland. The number of Australian foreign fighters engaged in Syria and northern Iraq has increased during that time. We assess that there are now more than 100 Australians participating in that conflict, most of them with ISIL, and close to 160 individuals in Australia actively providing support to terrorist organisations and to individuals involved in the conflict. As well, as you know, Senator Fawcett, there is the alarming trend towards lone wolf terrorist actors.