Australian authorities are reviewing security arrangements for mass public gatherings after the Manchester terrorist attack that killed 22 people.
They are working with New Zealand counter-terrorism authorities on a strategy that co-ordinates police, intelligence, local governments and venue operators to better protect people attending events such as next week's State of Origin game and Sydney's Vivid festival.
Already, people will have seen a stronger police presence and barriers to prevent vehicle attacks at large public events, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Wednesday.
"We learn from every attack in every part of the world and we respond to that here," he told reporters in Canberra.
"We must be more agile, more dynamic, more rapid in our response than our enemies are."
The federal government, through its co-ordinator for counter-terrorism, was reviewing security arrangements for major events and constantly upgrading and refining them.
Overnight, the prime minister chaired a meeting of cabinet's national security committee that included the heads of the Australian Federal police, spy agencies ASIO and ASIS and the defence force.
Australia's terror threat level remains at "probable" but is constantly under review, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.
"I note Islamic State has claimed responsibility (for the Manchester attack) on social media but it is yet to be determined if it was directed by them or merely inspired," she told reporters.
Australia's high commissioner in London Alexander Downer has been talking with British authorities including MI5, Metropolitan Police and Manchester police.
It is not yet known if any Australians were caught up in the attack.
"I must point out that the grisly task of identifying bodies continues and we are in touch with all the major hospitals in Manchester," Ms Bishop told the Nine Network.
Attorney-General George Brandis told a Senate hearing authorities had thwarted 12 imminent terrorist attacks on Australian soil since 2014.
He praised the bravery and courage of federal police and the importance of intelligence from the five eyes arrangement between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"We spare no effort to ensure that our laws are kept constantly under review, that we give the agencies and law enforcement the powers that they need to be in the best possible position to protect our people," Senator Brandis said.
It was a difficult balance act to respect the rule of law and liberal values, he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has upgraded its travel advice to the UK.
"In light of the UK's increase to its threat level, we now advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom," the advice says.
Australians in Manchester have been told to avoid the arena area as police investigations continue as well as prepare for significant transport delays.
"Be vigilant with your personal security, monitor the media and follow local authorities' instructions," the advice says.
