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This policy analysis looks at Australian universities as potential terrorist targets. It then considers steps that should be taken to improve protective security for our universities, enhance terrorism research and strengthen the role of universities in providing solutions for countering terrorism. A comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that incorporates defence of the Australian homeland is not solely the responsibility of the Australian Government or state and territory and local governments. This point is explicitly recognised in the Australian Government’s most recent counter-terrorism strategy paper, Protecting Australia Against Terrorism 2006.This publication outlines the importance of engaging the Australian public and private sectors to achieve our goals in protecting Australia against terrorism. Nowhere, however, is there any discussion in this document on the role of the universities in our overall counter-terrorism strategy.
Universities are potential terrorist targets. They may also be a source of personnel, knowledge and materiel for attacks on other targets. Our universities can assist in delivering counter-terrorism solutions through their research efforts and by their teaching programs that produce better educated security professionals and well-informed citizens. Universities can also contribute to raising community awareness about the risks of terrorism through various outreach activities.
