The national terrorism alert level has been raised to high after more than a decade at the medium level.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott made the announcement today amid concerns over the number of Australians working with or inspired by overseas terrorist groups.
Mr Abbott said on Friday that the agencies had not detected any "particular plots".
He expressed confidence that the authorities are "smarter than terrorists and would be terrorists," and would remain "one step ahead" of their malice.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the community should not be frightened by the change in the alert level.
“We appreciate that at this time of heightened awareness of the events overseas, and more recently the arrests in Queensland, the public would be concerned. However, there is no cause for alarm or panic,’’ he said.
‘‘The increase in the alert level is not based on a specific threat but more reflects the current security environment.’’
The change will mean extra security measures at airports, ports and at public events.
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