A national meeting of Australian Ministers with responsibility for policing, law enforcement and counter terrorism will occur later today, to enhance cooperation and keep Australians safe as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chaired by Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews the forum will present an opportunity for national collaboration to counter terrorism and serious and organised crime.
"The National Terrorism Threat Level remains at 'probable', and as we recently saw in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom, we cannot be complacent about the terrorism threat," Minister Andrews said.
"Australians are once more starting to gather in crowds, and large-scale events and activities are again being planned and attended - we must contend with the sad reality that these may be targets of terrorism.
"So too, with trade and travel gradually increasing as we continue to follow the
National Plan, new opportunities are emerging for transnational, organised criminals to once more infiltrate supply chains, import illicit drugs, and undermine our way of life.
"Whether it's manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs, tobacco and weapons, child sexual exploitation and abuse, human trafficking and slavery, or serious financial crime and cybercrime - organised crime is damaging to our community, our democracy and economy.
"Terrorists, violent extremists, and serious and organised criminals don't respect borders, which is why our security and prosperity requires a nationally coordinated approach.
"Today's meeting marks an opportunity for us to stand united against those who would seek to do us harm, keeping all Australians safe in the process."
