Australia launch new terror alert system

The Australian government on Thursday launched a new terrorism warning system aimed at informing the public about possible militant attacks in the country.

The National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS) was launched by Attorney General George Brandis and Justice Minister Michael Keenan, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement, the two ministers said NTTAS was designed to provide as much information as possible to Australians in the current threat environment.

NTTAS has five levels, which include Certain (red), Expected (orange), Probable (yellow), Possible (blue) and Not expected (green), to indicate the national threat level. The current threat of an attack in Australia is "probable".

Under the existing system, the terror threat escalates from low to medium, high and then extreme. The level was raised to high in September last year.

The "probable" threat level means credible intelligence indicates individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack.

The National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC) will work with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to discuss current intelligence and if any change in the threat level is required, then the Australian government will issue a statement with further advice.

The NTTAS was developed following a review of Australia's counter-terrorism machinery earlier this year, with all states and territories agreeing to the changes in July.