Police have encouraged Canberra business owners and members of the public to assess their current security measures amid a heightened terrorist alert.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fifteen people were arrested when 800 police in Sydney and Brisbane carried out the largest anti-terrorist raids in Australia's history on Thursday.
The federal government acted on ASIO advice when it raised Australia's terrorism threat level from medium to high last week.
Territory police chief Rudi Lammers said ACT Policing had been in regular contact with the Australian Federal Police and ACT government in recent days to identify any potential threats to infrastructure or large gatherings of people.
"We haven't done anything noticeably different in the community, apart from we're much more alert to the possibility of a terrorist attack," Chief Police Officer Lammers said.
"The community doesn't need to be concerned, and doesn't need to be startled, but it needs to be continually alert to the possibilities of a government-stated terrorist attack likelihood."
Chief Police Officer Lammers said the increased terrorist alert was an opportunity for people and businesses to assess any security measures and processes they had in place.
"If they need to add another barrier, if they need to be a bit more vigilant in checking people coming in and out of the buildings then the onus is on those people to make sure they cooperate, and make sure they provide that sort of protection to their buildings and infrastructure.
Deputy police chief David Pryce said there were well-tested plans in place in the territory and police were trained in dealing with terrorism threats.
"What we ask is the general community, businesses and buildings, if they have plans or don't have plans, now is the time to review their security arrangements."
Chief Police Officer Lammers said there were no known terror threats specific to Canberra.
"Right now Canberra's still one of the safest places to live in Australia.
"We have a very responsive community, a very alert community that is likely to report things that look out of the ordinary anyway.
"This just encourages those people to be a bit more timely about the things they report if they see something that looks a bit untoward or suspicious."
He encouraged anyone who had seen anything suspicious to keep calm and report it to the national security hotline.
"On a day-by-day and week-to-week basis, we will continue to reassess whether there is a need to do more in the community to make sure people not only feel safe, but are safe."
Police would work with security officers at large-scale events, such as Floriade, to ensure an adequate level of protection, Chief Police Officer Lammers said.
The National Security Hotline is 1800 1234 00 and more information is available at www.nationalsecurity.gov.au.