Counter-terrorism coordination
The Counter-Terrorism Branch (CTB) supports the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC). The role of the Branch includes providing specific and/or whole-of-government advice and briefings; managing the NCTC Special Fund; managing the acquisition of equipment, consumables and secure communications and providing secretariat support to the various NCTC committees and working groups.
The Counter-Terrorism Branch (CTB) is part of the Protective Security Coordination Centre (PSCC); a division within the National Security and Criminal Justice Group of the Attorney-General's Department (AGD).
The Branch was established in 2002 as a result of a review of arrangements following the 11 September 2001 attacks. Its functions were previously undertaken by various branches of the PSCC since shortly after the establishment of the Standing Advisory Committee for Commonwealth/State Cooperation for Protection Against Violence (SAC-PAV). SAC-PAV was created in response to the Hilton Bombing in Sydney in 1978. Prior to this, Australia had no formal mechanisms to respond to terrorism. Counter-Terrorism Branch has grown steadily over the past few years, largely as a result of additional funding for exercises, following significant terrorist attacks in Bali, London, Madrid, Mumbai and Jakarta.
The Counter-Terrorism Branch exists principally to support the operational and related policy programs of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC). The Branch also coordinates and contributes to a range of activities on behalf of the Department and the Australian Government. Additionally, the branch also plays a key role in a number of international fora.
The Branch also has responsibility for reviewing and updating the National Counter-Terrorism Plan(www.nationalsecurity.gov.au), National Counter-Terrorism Handbook and oversees (with Public Affairs) the National Security Public Information Guidelines. The National Counter-Terrorism Handbook and National Security Public Information Guideline are not publicly available documents.
National Counter-Terrorism Exercises
Counter-Terrorism Branch also manages the NCTC exercise program.The exercises provide a strong framework for testing and evaluating Australia's counter-terrorism arrangements, at both the national and State and Territory levels.
The NCTC exercise program involves the Australian Government and all States and Territories. The program includes discussion exercises, tactical response exercises, investigation and consequence management exercises and multi-jurisdictional exercises.
The exercise program now also exercises Australia's ability to manage mass casualty incidents, particularly in places such as transport hubs, major city precincts and other places of mass gathering. Additionally, 'drill style' exercises in all major Australian cities engages communities, local government and the private sector.