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Threat assessments

As part of wider Commonwealth protective security arrangements, ASIO produces assessments of the likelihood of politically motivated violence against people and property. Such violence can occur in various ways. One is violent protest. People protesting lawfully are not of concern to ASIO - in fact, the ASIO Act 1979 specifically recognises the rights of Australians 'to engage in lawful advocacy, protest or dissent' - but harm can occur from political protest, either inadvertently or through deliberate planning. At the other extreme are terrorist attacks which are intended to cause significant harm.

Protective security arrangements for high-risk persons, national and international dignitaries and foreign diplomatic missions are coordinated by the Protective Security Coordination Centre.

Each year ASIO sends out over 600 threat assessments to help the police, the Australian Protective Service (APS) and other agencies involved in planning security arrangements for our national leaders and special events. The assessments detail who might have a political reason to harm people, damage property or disrupt events - and how likely they are to try. On the basis of this advice, the police and other agencies can judge what measures are needed to ensure protection. For instance, in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics ASIO issued 532 Threat Assessments specifically related to the security of the Games. In 2003-04 ASIO issued over 2000 threat assessments.

ASIO also issues threat assessments for foreign dignitaries visiting Australia. Sometimes these visits spark violent demonstrations over political or other issues. Some members of emigré communities may see such visits as opportunities for publicly expressing their distress at events in their homelands. Specific threat assessments are issued by ASIO when high profile Australians make official overseas trips.

Protective security arrangements for high-risk-persons, national and international dignitaries and foreign diplomatic missions are coordinated by the Protective Security Coordination Centre.