Dark web, Taliban fuel fresh terrorism fears

AUSTRALIANS have been warned to remain clear-eyed about the threat of terrorism amid concerns the dark web has fuelled the rise of hatred based on religion and ideology.

In a major address marking the 20-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said community hubs would again have to contend with the threat of terrorism as Covid lockdowns ended.

“Sporting arenas, shopping malls, airports and other iconic locations will once more need to contend with the spectre of terrorism,” she said in a speech to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

“I don’t say this to scaremonger; rather to ensure we’re clear-eyed about the threat – so we can prepare now to safeguard all Australians from those who would do us harm.”

A meeting between Commonwealth, state and territory policy agencies will be convened in the coming weeks to deal with “significant developments”.

One concern is that the

Taliban’s return will make the region an international safe haven for terrorist networks.

“Given these significant developments, the time is right for ministers to gather and ensure we are all taking the steps needed to protect Australians,” she said. “The safety and security of our citizens is a responsibility for all elected representatives – Commonwealth, state and territory.”

Ms Andrews said developments in Afghanistan – in addition to a number of extremists in jail for terrorism offences who are due to be released shortly – mean Australia

must urgently beef-up its terrorism laws.

“In Australia, there are 51 offenders serving jail sentences for terrorist offences and another 32 before the courts,” she said.

“With several of these offenders reaching the conclusion of their prison sentences in the next few years, the need for effective risk management measures to keep our community safe is greater than ever. It will be an important focus of mine.”

The High Risk Terrorist Offenders Bill, currently before the House of Representatives,

would allow the government to broaden the range of tools available to address the risk posed by convicted terrorist offenders

It would establish a new Extended Supervision Order scheme, allowing the courts to impose tailored supervisory conditions specific to the risk posed by the terrorist offender if released into the community.

The warning comes ahead of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s trip to Washington this month for a quadrilateral security meeting with the US, India and Japan.