Australia develops new terror alert system to deal with "probable" threat of attack

The Australian government has developed a new terrorism warning system aimed at informing the public about the likelihood of terrorist attacks in Australia.

The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS) was announced on Thursday by the Attorney General George Brandis and Justice Minister Michael Keenan.

In a statement, the two ministers said NTTAS was designed to provide as much information as possible to Australians in the current threat environment.

NTTAS has five levels, which include Certain (red), Expected (orange), Probable (yellow), Possible (blue) and Not expected (green), to indicate the national threat level. The current threat of an attack in Australia is "probable."

Under the existing system, the terror threat escalates from low to medium, high and then extreme. The level was raised to high in September last year.

The "probable" threat level means credible intelligence indicates individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack.

The government paper says the "radicalization and recruitment of Australians is increasing. Violent extremists are reaching out to those willing to listen and encouraging them to either join ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and Levant) or to conduct attacks in its name."

The small number of Australian-based Islamic State supporters might be emboldened by the perceived success of the attacks abroad, it said.

"Elements of some of these recent attacks, such as the use of firearms and explosives as weapons, the capturing of hostages, and the focus on 'soft' targets, could be employed in an attack in Australia." the paper said.

The National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC) will work with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to discuss current intelligence and if any change in the threat level is required, then the Australian government will issue a statement with further advice for Australians.

The NTTAS was developed following a review of Australia's counter-terrorism machinery earlier this year, with all states and territories agreeing to the changes in July.