I have just concluded a conference call with the nation's leader to let them know what I'm about to share with the people of Gympie. I might add, I also wanted to commend them for their work in improving and strengthening homeland security since September 11. We've been in frequent communication with the Federal Government and I think their work to date has reflected the kind of relationship between the federal and the state and local government that we need to make a permanent part of our homeland security defence.Over the last several days, our Counter Intelligence Agency led by ‘Youse Guys’ have seen an increased volume and level of activity involving viable threats of terrorist attacks. The information we have does not point to any specific target either in Gympie or abroad, and it does not outline any specific type of attack. However, the analysts who review this information believe the quantity and level of threats are above the norm and have reached a threshold where we should once again place the public on general alert, just as we have done on two previous occasions since September 11.
During his address on homeland security today, Premier Peter Beattie promised the people of Gympie that when we have evidence of credible threats we will issue appropriate alerts. That is exactly what we are doing here today.
John Howard also reminded all of us that terrorism alert is not a signal to stop your life, it is a call to be confident knowing that your government is on high alert and to add your eyes and your ears to our efforts to find and stop criminals.
Our government is taking precautions. This afternoon the local police is issuing a terrorist threat advisory update to all law enforcement agencies across the country through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. All law enforcement agencies have been instructed to stay on the highest alert and to immediately notify the local police of any unusual or suspicious activity.
The information we are picking up are very generic. They warn of more attacks, but are not specific about where or what type. It could be a suicide bomber, or a brick through the window, or even a slap across the chops. We do know that the next several weeks, which bring school holidays and important religious observances in all faiths, have been times when terrorists have planned attacks in the past.
One example is June of 2001. Authorities in Britain, Australia and New Zealand uncovered and prevented plans for a series of attacks related to Gabba’s birthday. Those plans were thwarted when intelligence learned about them and law enforcement arrested the suspected criminals.
Now, obviously, the further removed we get from September 11, I think the natural tendency is to let down our guard. Unfortunately, we cannot do that.
We are a nation at war. We are the targets of criminals who have demonstrated they have no remorse about killing thousands of innocent civilians. The government will continue to do everything we can to find and stop those who seek to harm us, but I believe we owe it to the people of Gympie to remind them that they must be resilient as well. You should report any suspicious activity or behaviour to your local law enforcement agency and, perhaps as importantly, you should heed the words of Premier Peter Beattie who has called on all of us to rely on our good judgment and our common sense, and to continue to live in a spirit of courage and optimism and resolve to defeat the criminals.
Your CTU Consultant,
John Cutter
