Schools under guard
MORE than 50 schools “at risk of attack” nationwide will be given security guards and closed circuit television systems amid heightened national security fears.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan will today announce $18 million for 54 schools who requested assistance to hire security guards and buy security products to safeguard students.
The fears stem from the potential lone wolf and racist attacks at government, independent Islamic and Jewish schools. It is the first time the Government has provided funding for security guards in the education system.
Senior education figures have lobbied for security in atrisk schools to be upgraded.
Mr Keenan said the Government would continue to look at improving measures to safeguard students as racial and religious intolerance grows amid the rise of ISIS.
“This support recognises the unique security circumstances that some schools unfortunately face,’’ he said.
More than half the schools are Jewish and Islamic schools while 22 are government and independent schools.
The majority of schools are in western Sydney with 29 of the 54 in NSW.
Fifteen schools are from Victoria, four from Western Australia, two are in Queensland and South Australia while the Northern Territory and ACT have one each.
This funding relates to the prospect of external attacks, but in November last year the AFP called on teachers to be on the lookout for students who may be in the process of being radicalised.
There were fears terror recruiters were trying to attract students from East Hills Boys High in Sydney.
The Australian Council of Jewish Schools has been vocal in seeking increased security.
The announcement continues a crackdown by the Government to secure the nation.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott declared the “benefit of the doubt” would no longer be given to suspected extremists.