Counter-terrorism cops receive timely boost as police target over a dozen extremist groups in SA

More than a dozen South Australian groups are being monitored for their extremist views as authorities boost the state’s counter-terrorism firepower.

• SA man allegedly supported Christchurch attack online
• Corey Wingard: Our state has no place for threats from extremists
• Adelaide Muslims in fear of growing Islamophobia

More than a dozen South Australian groups are being monitored for their extremist views as authorities boost the state’s counter-terrorism firepower.

The Advertiser has learnt anti-terror police are actively reviewing and assessing at least 12 local groups with radical views across the state for possible violent or threatening activity.

In response, the State Government will today reveal at least 60 senior SA detectives are completing specialised counter-terrorism training to help combat any extremist recruitment and activity.

Numerous extreme right-wing SA individuals are of interest, having expressed a desire to use, or threatened violence, while supporting nationalist views.

SA Police, however, stress there is no imminent terror plot, but that officers remain on alert for any potential threats, are well equipped, trained and able to investigate any crimes and will benefit from the added resources.

Ministers will also announce details of a Correctional Services Department anti-radicalisation strategy for almost 3000 prisoners but with a focus on inmates vulnerable to teachings of violent extremism.

Emergency response exercise at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed

The State Government would not provide specific watchlist figures, any investigation details, anti-terror strategies or identities of groups for security reasons.

The first 30 Terrorism Investigation Cadre were trained last week, days after 50 people died in the Christchurch massacre, which an Australian white supremacist is charged over. The attack has triggered dozens of SA security alerts. Another 30 detectives, who hold the ranks of senior sergeant, sergeant and brevet sergeant, will undergo training next week in areas believed to include cybercrime, social media and tactical responses.

In the event of an SA terror attack, those detectives, currently with various squads, will move to a dedicated taskforce overseen by SA Police’s Counter Terrorism and Security Section.

A police spokesman said any taskforce may only involve a few detectives but could be boosted by up to 60 officers depending on any incident or threat.

Since the NZ mosque attack almost a fortnight ago, the CTSS has received more than 40 notifications linked to unspecified security issues, the State Government said.

Chad Vinzelberg leaves Elizabeth Magistrates Court earlier this month. Picture: AAP Image/Kathryn Bermingham

In a statement, Police and Corrections Minister Corey Wingard said being proactive against any counter-terrorism threat and violent extremism was vital for community safety.

“Extremists are increasingly seeking to inspire like-minded individuals to their repugnant way of thinking through online recruitment,” he said.

“The strategies being implemented by (police) and … corrections are about ensuring we are prepared as we can be if an attack were to eventuate.”

Last week, SA Police charged Chad Rolf Vinzelberg, 37, of Smithfield over social media comments he made in support of the attacks alongside photos of him holding a gun.

Police have also stopped an alleged 2017 Riverland high school massacre threat, for which two teenagers are awaiting sentence.

Zainab Abdirahman-Khalif, 23, has been jailed for joining terror group Islamic State.

A mentally ill father, who cannot be named, was last year found not guilty of advocating terrorism because of his mental state.

Zainab Abdirahman-Khalif.

Other anti-terror measures include installing concrete bollards around major landmarks around the state’s main shopping strip, Rundle Mall and Adelaide Oval.

Last year, new laws were introduced to protect police from criminal liability if they used lethal force in a declared terrorist incident while a new fleet of drones is in operation to help with surveillance.

Terror training drills also regularly occur.

Last year, one national security exercise, dubbed Neighbour 18, used real-life terrorism scenarios including use of chemicals, explosives, assaults on crowded places and government facility attacks.

Other terror training exercises have simulated large Adelaide attacks with mass casualties.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said if an attack occurs “we need police and other emergency services to be well-rehearsed and co-ordinated”.

Federal intelligence agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about terrorist groups using extremist ideology to brainwash lone wolfs and small groups into using violence on Australia soil.

Recent attacks have included the Lindt cafe siege in Sydney, the fatal shooting of a New South Wales police officer and the Bourke Street Mall attack in Melbourne. Authorities have thwarted at least major 15 terror plots.

Federal agents are investigating Brenton Tarrant, 28, from Grafton, northern NSW, who has been charged with the mosque shootings. He is due to reappear in court next week.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this week announced a royal commission into whether authorities could have prevented the terror attack amid a crackdown on social media companies.

Australia’s national terrorism threat level remains probable, meaning that credible intelligence assessed by security agencies indicates individuals or groups continue to possess the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack.

The public should continue to exercise caution and report any suspicious incidents to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.