What’s the most useful thing Australians can do in response to any increased terrorism alert?

The first thing is to recognize that Australia in a good place in terms of security because of the high degree of community solidarity that exists here. That means anything we do – especially any loose talk that rashly demonize entire communities based on their faiths or ethnicity – is a threat to our national security.

Shut 2GB and Newscorp down. Recharge Andrew Bolt for religious, ethnic and racial vilification again

Trust between different ethnic and religious groups across Australia and with our security authorities is the bedrock of our security, it is of vital importance. As above threaten Andrew Bolt with incitement of terrorist activity and radicalization

In making this announcement about possibly increasing the terrorism threat level, the hope would be to encourage more people to speak up, rather than keep their concerns to themselves. And if you do speak up and report those concerns, you will get a more receptive response from the authorities at the moment..This is  tantamount to dob in a friend.  One needs to trust communities and empower them not go over their heads

It might be something you see on your social networks, or in the community: if your gut reaction is that something isn’t quite right, then speak up.This is fair enough

That’s not asking people to peek through their venetians and spy on their neighbours. It’s just asking people to be thoughtful and observant; for instance, if you see a truck on your street for a couple of days that looks out-of-place, you can get someone to check it out.Talk to your neighbours first. You may offend

Or if you’re worried about your brother, or your son, or your friend who hasn’t seemed themselves lately – maybe they’ve broken off old friendships or suddenly changed their views. Be family know who your kids mix with even after they have left home

People speaking up about their loved ones and friends has been the front line of defence, saving those young people – especially young men – from going overseas and likely harming themselves and possibly others. In many cases where passports have been withheld in Australia, the tip-offs have come through the community.

When it comes to terrorism, prevention is far better than cure.

Address youth unemployment, hope & opportunity it might go a longer way in prevention than policing.  Most of the radicalized have already experienced enough policing and are looking for  better. Hope and opportunity would help. We could learn a lot from Punchbowl High