Australia's local government and counter terrorism in the contemporary terrorism environment : risks and opportunities

Australian counter terrorism governance has necessarily evolved in response to the dynamic nature of terrorism. This evolution has failed in to include a role for local governments within the all levels approach outlined by the government. This thesis demonstrates that the evolution of Australia's counter terrorism governance has led to vulnerabilities at the local government level within the context of the current terrorism environment. A four phased mixed method approach was adopted drawing on a sequential application of a review of academic theory, thematic mapping of Australian counter terrorism governance, case study and the adoption of the SWOT analytical framework. This mixed method approach concluded that the absence of local government from the strategic approach to counter terrorism failed to utilise the significant capabilities and resources available at the local level. This thesis identifies the risks and opportunities for local government involvement, making a number of recommendations to develop a future role at this level.