AusLeisure

The Federal Government’s plan to stop terrorist vehicle attacks in Australia calls for the installation of bollards and stairs to protect stadiums and shopping centres, and bollards and enforced plant boxes used to protect pedestrians in shared traffic zones.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull unveiled the counter-terrorism strategy document - commissioned after the attack in Nice, France last year -  on Sunday, advising reporters “it is part of our continuous program of optimising, improving the way we can keep Australians safe.

“We recognise that the threat is constantly evolving, so what we have to do is to make sure we too are constantly improving and updating the measures we have.”

The plan, called Australia’s Strategy For Protecting Crowded Places From Terrorism, was given to Australian businesses and councils last week, and outlines ways to prevent vehicle attacks similar to those seen in European cities over the past year.

The plan provides a ‘how to guide’ on installing bollards and planters, and other methods of mitigating a hostile vehicle attack to businesses, councils and venue operators. It also provides guidelines on chemical attacks and what should be done in such instances.

Prime Minister Turnbull advised that the Strategy had been developed “in close partnership with the states and territories, local government, police and the private sector”, adding “(it) will assist owners and operators to increase the safety, protection and resilience of crowded places across Australia.

“It includes practical guidance on protective security, information to help owners and operators better understand terrorist weapons and tactics, including ‘active armed offenders,’ improvised explosive devices, chemical weapons, and hostile vehicles.”

He continued “it is vital that all those responsible for crowded places know where to go for information and advice on how to better protect their sites.

“We cannot be complacent about the threats we face but we will never let the terrorists undermine our way of life or compromise the freedoms we take for granted. Our Strategy will ensure Australians can continue to freely and safely go to the football, enjoy concerts and visit shopping centres.”

The Federal Government says venue owners and operators will be given help in undertaking security audits of their facilities to determine any weaknesses and develop strategies to strengthen and fortify them.

Prime Minister Turnbull advised “the best mitigations are done at the design stage.

“You can’t proof every site 100% - there are certainly things that can be done to existing sites - but the most important thing is as you get new developments, new plans that security measures are put in place at that time.”

Federal Transport Minister Darren Chester said there would also be greater use of police and agencies around mass gatherings, telling the ABC on Sunday, “it is a constant battle for us.

“It is a tragic reflection of our times that we need to be taking these sorts of measures.”

Also speaking to the ABC, Cabinet Minister Arthur Sinodinos said the Government couldn’t be guaranteed there would be no attacks in Australia but measures could be taken to deter, detect and ameliorate any consequences.

He advised “for a long time in Australia we’ve just had a mentality of live and let live and that we can walk around doing whatever we want.

“Now we have to have more of that ‘be alert but not alarmed’ mentality.”

Linked to the Strategy, the Commonwealth Government has worked with the states and territories - through the Transport Security Committee - to develop a security awareness guide for truck operators and drivers.

The guide provides information on security measures that drivers and operators can undertake, indicators and warnings to help prevent a terrorist attack, and information on how to report suspicious or criminal behaviour to law enforcement.

The Strategy is now available to owners and operators of crowded places and members of the public on the National Security website at www.nationalsecurity.gov.au 

Images courtesy of Magnetic Australia (top) an the Meridian Rapid Defense Group (below).

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