National security briefing for state AGs

The nation's top security officials are being briefed on domestic counter-terrorism efforts.

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs

The nation's top security officials are being briefed on domestic counter-terrorism efforts. (AAP)

Australia's new counter-terrorism laws are a significant response amid a changed security environment in Australia, the justice minister says.

ASIO is briefing state and territory police ministers and attorneys-general on the nation's counter-terrorism efforts in Geelong on Friday.

Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said he will update the states on the federal government's $630 million counter-terrorism funding package and laws, the first tranche of which were passed by parliament this week.

"This is a very significant national response," Mr Keenan told reporters before the meeting.

"I'm very keen to tell my state and territory colleagues exactly what is going on.

"We're also legislating to make sure they have the powers and effective operating model that they need."

The first tranche of tough new counter-terrorism laws, which cleared parliament on Wednesday, allow domestic spy agency ASIO to use a single warrant to access third party computers and multiple devices.

Australia's terror threat level was raised from medium to high three weeks ago.

"Everybody needs to be mindful that the security environment in Australia has changed," Mr Keenan said.

"It doesn't mean people need to be fearful.

"They need to understand that the law enforcement and intelligence agencies are up to the task of protecting us and that's one of the reasons we're having this meeting in Geelong here today."

The police ministers and attorneys-general are also being updated on the recent counter-terrorism raids in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Keenan said national security and targeting organised crime are also high on the agenda.

Outcomes of the meeting of the Law, Crime and Community Safety Council are expected to be announced later on Friday.


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