to transit countries), and stopping terrorists, Each individual seeking to return to Australia violent extremist propaganda and weapons would be managed on a case-by-case basis. from entering Australia. This may involve the use of several disruption approaches. Agencies may stop these people from travelling by cancelling passports, undertaking Options include prosecutions for terrorism biometric identity checking processes at the offences overseas or personal restrictions border or imposing strict visa controls. (including permanent or temporary exclusion from Australia of non-citizens, control orders, Preventing potential foreign fighters from cancellation of passports). Others may choose travelling stops them from directly to cooperate with government and community contributing to terrorist organisations and initiatives and participate in countering violent networks. It may also stop them from dying in extremism programmes and other conflicts overseas. However, preventing their preventative programmes. travel may lead to frustration, alienation and anger, and may drive further radicalisation that could culminate in domestic terrorist attacks. Should activities of concern arise, agencies are EFFECTIVE ready to take appropriate action, and we are working with the community to provide clear RESPONSE AND messaging on why we prevent travel. RECOVERY Managing returned foreign fighters In the of a terrorist incident, Australia is The number of Australians looking to fight with well-positioned to respond immediately to a or support terrorist organisations overseas is wide range of terrorist incidents (including growing. While some will die or choose to stay multi-jurisdiction, mass-casualty attacks). overseas permanently, some may seek to Our agencies are well-placed to coordinate return home. recovery efforts to assist the Australian community to return to everyday activities. Not all of foreign fighters would intend to engage in terrorist activity. Even so, their Responding to a terrorist incident terrorist connections, skills and experience, combined with a predisposition to violent States and Territories are responsible for action still hold the potential to create security responding to domestic terrorist attacks within issues in the longterm. own jurisdiction. State and Territory police lead on-the-ground responses to terrorism and Some foreign fighters may seek to return investigate terrorist incidents in close home with the intent to conduct terrorist cooperation with Commonwealth law attacks in Australia or to radicalise elements of enforcement and intelligence agencies. the Australian community. Agencies will take action to mitigate the significant security risk these individuals pose.
to transit countries), and stopping terrorists, violent extremist propaganda and weapons from entering Australia. Agencies may stop these people from travelling by cancelling passports, undertaking biometric identity checking processes at the border or imposing strict visa controls. Preventing potential foreign fighters from travelling stops them from directly contributing to terrorist organisations and networks. It may also stop them from dying in conflicts overseas. However, preventing their travel may lead to frustration, alienation and anger, and may drive further radicalisation that could culminate in domestic terrorist attacks. Should activities of concern arise, agencies are ready to take appropriate action, and we are working with the community to provide clear messaging on why we prevent travel. Managing returned foreign fighters The number of Australians looking to fight with or support terrorist organisations overseas is growing. While some will die or choose to stay overseas permanently, some may seek to return home. Not all of foreign fighters would intend to engage in terrorist activity. Even so, their terrorist connections, skills and experience, combined with a predisposition to violent action still hold the potential to create security issues in the longterm. Some foreign fighters may seek to return home with the intent to conduct terrorist attacks in Australia or to radicalise elements of the Australian community. Agencies will take action to mitigate the significant security risk these individuals pose. Each individual seeking to return to Australia would be managed on a case-by-case basis. This may involve the use of several disruption approaches. Options include prosecutions for terrorism offences overseas or personal restrictions (including permanent or temporary exclusion from Australia of non-citizens, control orders, cancellation of passports). Others may choose to cooperate with government and community initiatives and participate in countering violent extremism programmes and other preventative programmes. EFFECTIVE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY In the of a terrorist incident, Australia is well-positioned to respond immediately to a wide range of terrorist incidents (including multi-jurisdiction, mass-casualty attacks). Our agencies are well-placed to coordinate recovery efforts to assist the Australian community to return to everyday activities. Responding to a terrorist incident States and Territories are responsible for responding to domestic terrorist attacks within own jurisdiction. State and Territory police lead on-the-ground responses to terrorism and investigate terrorist incidents in close cooperation with Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence agencies.