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

Senator Bushby, as you know, earlier today the Prime Minister did make an important national security statement in the other place, particularly in relation to the international efforts against ISIL in Syria and Iraq and on the threat environment in Australia. I can assure the Senate, as the Prime Minister today assured the other place and indeed the Australian people, of this government's commitment to ensuring Australians remain safe, secure and free. The global terrorism threat environment continues to evolve. Even as we speak, Iraqi forces, including units trained by the Australian Army, continue in the liberation of the former ISIL stronghold of Mosul. Coalition efforts in Syria and Iraq, which include the ADF, have put ISIL under increasing pressure. As a result of the efforts of Australia and our coalition partners, ISIL is losing territory, finances and fighters. Its illusion of legitimacy is being shattered.

But as ISIL loses ground we can expect its fighters to seek to return to their countries of origin, including in our region. I can assure the Senate that our law enforcement and national security agencies have long been prepared for this challenge and are constantly monitoring Australia's threat environment. I can also assure Australians that our agencies, supported by the comprehensive counterterrorism law reforms that this government has introduced in this parliament and the last, are doing everything that is necessary to keep our communities safe from terrorism. Nevertheless, the national terrorism alert level remains at 'probable'.