A dedicated, full-time Counter-Terrorism Coordinator has been appointed within the Home Affairs Department as part of the government’s immediate response to the anti-Semitism Royal Commission following the deadly Bondi attacks.
Home Affairs official Brendan Dowling, who has worked in national security for 20 years, will take on the role immediately as recommended by last month’s interim report from Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell.
“Mr Dowling will provide national leadership and coordination on counter-terrorism matters, including the prevention of and response to terrorism incidents,” the Home Affairs Department said in a statement.
“As the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, he will work across federal, state and territory law enforcement, intelligence and policy agencies, and with the community, to ensure a coordinated national effort to counter-terrorism and violent extremism.”
The former Cyber-Affairs Ambassador will engage with affected communities, working with other senior counter-terrorism officials, coordinate exercises, and respond to emerging threats and priorities.
This week’s budget confirmed more than $600 million will be spent over the next five years to combat anti-Semitism in Australia in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre, including $80m to tackle online threats and extremism.
The cohesion package unveiled on Tuesday included funding for Jewish community safety, reform to visa cancellations, and launching a national gun buyback scheme.
Last month’s interim report revealed the proportion of resources that security agencies dedicated to counter-terrorism had “significantly” declined in recent years, although overall funding had increased.
In a formal response to the Royal Commission’s interim report published on Thursday, the Albanese government has again stated its determination to implement all 14 recommendations made and to work with the states and territories to complete them.
“We will deliver clearer national crisis coordination, strengthened information sharing and enhanced operational readiness,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Attorney General Michelle Rowland said in their response.
“Australians rightly expect leadership from a government that is united in its commitment to call out antisemitism, reject intimidation and violence, and insist that there can be no excuse for hatred.”