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Defence response to a terrorist incident within Australia

Legislative Framework | Enhanced ADF Domestic Terrorism Response structure | Australian Defence Force Capabilities | Tactical Assault Groups (TAG) | Incident Response Regiment (IRR)

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) could be called to resolve a domestic terrorist incident in extreme cases where State or Territory police and emergency services do not have the capability to deal with it and in situations that potentially involve the use of force. The Australian Government and the ADF have well-rehearsed plans with State and Territory governments and agencies in dealing with terrorist situations.

Such incidents could include recapturing buildings, freeing hostages, cordoning off areas or responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive attack.

Australian counter terrorism responses are coordinated by the Protective Security Coordination Centre within the Attorney-General's Department. For further information about Australia's national security framework go to http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/

Legislative Framework

The Australian Government has important executive and legislative statutory powers permitting it to take measures that will allow it to defend Australia and its people.

State and Territory Governments can request Defence assistance under the Defence Legislation Amendment (Aid to Civilian Authorities) Act 2000. (For a copy of the Act go to http://scaleplus.law.gov.au/html/comact/10/6232/top.htm

The legislation was introduced before the Sydney 2000 Olympics to ensure appropriate consideration is given before any use can be authorised for the most deadly force that can be brought to bear in Australia.

It requires the State or Territory government to apply to the Commonwealth for protection. The Prime Minister, Attorney-General and Minister for Defence must be satisfied that the State or Territory cannot protect itself before they authorise the ADF to be called out.

If called out, the ADF would liaise with State/Territory police to determine any support that may be required.

These call out arrangements are practiced frequently during national counter-terrorism exercises involving the ADF, other Commonwealth Departments and agencies and State and Territory police and emergency services.

Enhanced ADF Domestic Terrorism Response structure

Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) was established by Government in May 2003 as a direct response to the September 11 attacks and the Bali bombing. Its role is to provide a functional command structure for Australia's Special Forces and to streamline Defence’s domestic and international terrorism response capabilities.

SOCOMD is a joint command with status equivalent to Maritime, Land and Air Commands.

Currently commanded by Major General Mike Hindmarsh, SOCOMD comprises:

• A Joint Headquarters with offices in both Canberra and Sydney;
• The Special Air Service Regiment;
• 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando);
• Tactical Assault Groups (West) and (East);
• 1st Commando Regiment;
• The Incident Response Regiment;
• The Special Operations Logistics Squadron;
• Special Forces Training Centre;
• 171 Aviation Squadron - designated in direct support and at priority call to SOCOMD.

SOCOMD represents a balanced and highly versatile organisation capable of applying operational solutions in response to terrorist threats at home and abroad. It also enhances the ADF's domestic coordinated rapid response capability and recognises the critical importance of Special Forces in overseas and regional contingencies.

Australian Defence Force Capabilities

The ADF has a significant range of capabilities with which it can respond to Commonwealth Government requests for assistance. These include land forces, air and sea lift, medical support and a designated counter terrorist capability.

These counter terrorist capabilities specifically include:

• Tactical Assault Group (West) – comprising of members from the Special Air Service Regiment based in Perth.
• Tactical Assault Group (East) – comprising of members from the 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) based at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney, with additional support from the Royal Australian Navy.
• The Incident Response Regiment – comprising of soldiers and scientists based at Holsworthy Barracks Sydney.

Tactical Assault Groups (TAG)

SOCOMD provide a world-class counter terrorist capability to react, at short notice, to state or territory requests for support made to the Commonwealth Government.

The capability includes the conduct of offensive and recovery operations beyond the range and capability of other ADF units, including the recapturing of structures, freeing of hostages and support to high-risk search teams.

SOCOMD maintains excellent cooperation with Australia ’s allies to ensure its terrorism response personnel have access to the most up-to-date techniques and training.

Incident Response Regiment (IRR)

Australia developed significant chemical, biological and radiological capabilities to respond to any potential incident during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. These capabilities were enhanced immediately after the September 11 attacks.

The IRR is an ADF unit able to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) or explosive incidents both domestically and in support of deployed forces overseas in high threat environments.

These could include:

• A threat which may also be a hoax;
• An overt incident with immediate effects that is more likely to be a chemical or radiological incident; or
• A covert attack where the event is not known until affected victims begin reporting to medical facilities (this is more likely to be a biological attack).

The IRR is a defensive and protective rapid response organisation maintained on a short notice to respond.

Members of the IRR have supported a number of high profile domestic and overseas including Iraq, and currently Afghanistan as part of Australia's contribution to the International Coalition Against Terrorism.

IRR personnel are able to conduct high-risk searches with detection equipment and dogs, disarm and dispose of explosive devices, decontaminate and treat CBRN victims in exposed areas.

The IRR is also able to assist state and territory authorities to respond to emergencies with fire fighting, aircraft and vehicle crash rescue and urban search and rescue expertise.

The IRR maintains excellent cooperation with Australia's allies ensuring its personnel have access to the most up-to-date techniques and training.

Information current as at 6 July 2007