Australia has recently found itself ranked among the world’s most vulnerable countries to terrorism, now sitting at 46th place on the Global Terrorism Index 2025. This marks a significant drop of 13 places from the previous year, reflecting an escalating threat level within the country. The study reveals that Australia is one of seven Western nations within the worst 50 for terrorism—a group that also includes Germany, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden.
The report highlights the troubling rise of “lone wolf” attacks, which remain a primary concern for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). In a recent threat assessment, ASIO’s director-general Mike Burgess warned that the principal danger comes from individuals wielding easily accessible weapons. He emphasised the necessity for heightened vigilance, especially concerning young Australians, who may become ensnared in ideologies fostering hatred, leading to potential spikes in communal violence.
Over the past year, Australia experienced five terrorist incidents, a dramatic increase from none recorded in 2023. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to fuel instability across the Middle East, which in turn has repercussions, inciting terror attacks in Western nations, including Australia.
The Global Terrorism Index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, has been assessing global terrorism trends for 12 years, with a focus on the impact and consequences of terrorism worldwide.
As Australia grapples with these escalating threats, the implications for social cohesion and community safety are likely to be significant, prompting a renewed focus on counter-terrorism measures and public awareness strategies to mitigate risk. The rising frequency of incidents serves as a stark reminder of the complexities in combating terrorism and the vital importance of community resilience in the face of such challenges.