The devices, fuelled by substances as diverse as detergents, petrols and fertilisers, had been created to promote the launch of a national code of practice for people in industries exposed to chemicals of security concern.

Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said people had to be aware of what the chemicals looked like, how they were used and their explosive power to ensure they took precautions, monitored suspicious transactions and activities and minimised risk.

He said it was just on two years since Anders Brevik had exploded a massive fertiliser bomb in Oslo before going on a shooting rampage.

The Oklahama bomber had also used home made explosives, and the London tube bombings of 2005 and the recent Boston bombing were reminders there were people in the community capable of planning such outrages.

While there have been no recent acts of terrorism on Australian soil, police and security agencies had stopped a number of operations planned for Sydney and Melbourne and as a result 23 people had been given long sentences under the anti-terror laws.

Asked if it was inevitable such an attack would one day succeed, Mr Dreyfus praised the performance of the police and security forces and said the recent positive outcomes had not been been good luck alone.

He said continued vigilance by police and security agencies, coupled with support from the community through initiatives such as the chemicals of security concern code of conduct, should prevent future tragedies.

"We have to be on our guard all the time,'' he said.