Senator WEBBER (2:20 PM) —My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Hill. Does the minister recall the Prime Minister stating on numerous occasions last week that there was no intelligence warranting any upgrade in threat assessment for Australians? Was there any new intelligence which formed the basis for the release of a global travel advisory by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at 7.43 p.m. last Friday night? Can the minister confirm that this travel advisory advises Australian travellers of a general risk of terrorist activity to Western interests? Why then has there been no upgrade of the domestic threat assessment for Australians staying put here in Australia?

Senator HILL (Minister for Defence) —I said last week that we obviously act on the advice of our independent, objective specialist advisers in this area. In relation to terrorist threats in Australia, we have been on a heightened alert since 11 September 2001. That continues to be the situation. That is the advice we have been given and that is the advice we have acted upon.

Senator WEBBER —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. In light of this revised general travel advisory issued by DFAT late last Friday, does the Howard government now acknowledge that Australia and Australians, both at home and abroad, face an increased terrorist threat as a result of Australia's participation in the war against Iraq?

Senator HILL (Minister for Defence) —Speaking generally, the answer to that is no. But obviously in circumstances where there is a conflict and Australia is participating as one of the coalition seeking to enforce UN Security Council resolutions, it is understandable that that might affect the travel plans of some. They would want an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to those matters, and that is the purpose of the advisories that are given by the department from time to time in relation to international travel.