Australia’s Terror Threat Level Raised to “Probable” 

With the recent announcement that Australia’s terror threat level has been raised to “probable,” or a 50% chance of an attack in the next 12 months, it is critical for organisations to reassess and enhance their emergency management strategies to keep their people and customers safe. While the news may seem alarming, it is a vital reminder to stay vigilant and proactive to ensure the safety and preparedness of our workplaces and communities. 

Why the Elevated Terror Threat Matters 

A “probable” threat level indicates credible intelligence suggesting the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the next 12 months. Understanding this threat level is crucial for making informed decisions about your organisation’s safety and preparedness. It is not just about reacting to the news—it is about taking actionable steps to protect your employees, customers, assets, and overall operations. 

Understand and Manage the Risk 

Terrorism is a significant security risk. How safe are your premises? What steps can you take to minimize the chances of harm to your staff? You might consider implementing travel bans to certain locations and ensuring staff are aware of potential targets and how to avoid dangerous situations. For example, they should avoid mass gatherings or demonstrations. 

Building a Culture of Preparedness in Your Organisation 

Have strong emergency and communications plans and practices to ensure that your organisation has the confidence to handle any emergency. By strengthening your emergency management and communications strategies, your organisation can achieve this peace of mind. Here is how: 

• Stay Informed: Ensure your organisation stays updated with information from reliable sources such as government agencies, emergency services, and trusted news outlets. Knowledge is power and staying informed enables swift and effective action. Ensure any warnings or information on attacks can be shared with your staff. To do this you must have effective communications channels that can be as simple as bulk text and emails.  
• Update Your Emergency Plans: Review and update your emergency management plans, ensuring they are comprehensive and cover all critical aspects—evacuation routes, communication plans, roles, and responsibilities. 
• Regular Training and Drills: Conduct regular training and drills for your employees. These exercises help everyone understand their roles during an emergency, improving response times and coordination. 
• Enhance Security Measures: Strengthen your organisation’s security measures, from access controls to surveillance systems. Visible security protocols can also act as deterrents to potential threats. 
• Promote a Culture of Preparedness: Foster a culture of preparedness within your organisation. Raise awareness about the elevated threat level and the importance of emergency readiness. Provide resources and training to empower employees to take proactive steps. 
• Strengthen Communication Channels: Ensure you have robust communication channels in place to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. Reliable communication is crucial during emergencies. 
• Collaborate with Authorities and Community Partners: Work closely with local authorities, emergency services, and community organisations to coordinate efforts and share information. Collaborative approaches enhance overall preparedness and resilience. 

 

Organisational Preparedness Tips 

• Stay Vigilant: Encourage employees to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities to authorities. 

• Emergency Kit: Maintain an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and important documents. 

• Emergency Contacts: Keep an updated list of emergency contacts and ensure all employees know how to reach them. 

• Know Your Plan: Ensure all employees are familiar with emergency procedures specific to your organisation and regularly review these plans. 

Together, We Can Stay Resilient 

Raising the terror threat level to “probable” is a call to action for organisations. By taking proactive steps, we can protect our employees and our operations. Preparedness is an ongoing commitment. Let’s stay vigilant, informed, and ready to face any challenge head-on. 

For more tips and guidance on enhancing your organisation’s emergency management strategies, reach out to us at Resilient Services. We’re here to help you navigate these uncertain times with confidence and a solid plan. Stay safe, stay resilient!  

🌐www.resilientservices.com.au
✉️info@resilientservices.com.au
📞 +61 493 700 661