Australia’s approach to national security is based on strong cooperative, coordinated and consultative relationships between the Australian Government, the state and territory governments and our international partners.

At any given time Australia faces challenges to our nation’s security which can put institutions of state, people, economic assets and technology at risk. These include espionage, foreign interference, terrorism, politically motivated violence, border violations, cyber attack, organised crime, natural disasters and biosecurity events.

This website provides information on counter-terrorism, the roles of Australia's national security and policing agencies, national security coordination arrangements and the national counter-terrorism plan.

Latest news - Defence White Paper 2013

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith released the 2013 Defence White Paper on 3 May. It addresses several significant international and domestic influences on our national security that have emerged since the 2009 Defence White Paper. Download a copy from the Department of Defence website.