CVE Strategy Fact Sheet

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES

Countering violent extremism

What is violent extremism? The overwhelming majority of people in Violent extremism describes the beliefs and Australia reject violent extremism but many actions of people who support or use violence may not have the information they need to to achieve ideological, religious or political challenge it. goals. This includes terrorism, other forms of Countering violent extremism in our politically motivated violence and some forms of communities is a long-term challenge requiring communal violence. the collaboration of governments, community All forms of violent extremism, no groups and individuals. matter what their motivation, seek The Countering Violent Extremism Unit in the change through fear and Australian Attorney-General’s Department intimidation rather than positive supports a comprehensive and coordinated strategy across government, and develops and democratic processes. initiatives to address extremist influences before these influences threaten Australia’s security. Why is violent extremism a concern? Actions of violent extremists threaten Our focus Australia’s core values and principles, including Current and future work by the Australian human rights, the rule of law, parliamentary Government is to support Australia’s broader democracy, equal opportunity and freedom. counter-terrorism efforts by addressing factors The Australian Government rejects all forms of that make people vulnerable to extremist violent extremism and will continue to promote influences and recruitment by terrorists. The a harmonious and inclusive society. emphasis is on intervening early – before a law enforcement response might be needed. Radicalisation processes are at work in some Australian communities and violent extremism Our vision is to: is a real and persistent threat to Australia’s security. Australia faces threats from violent Reduce the risk of home-grown terrorism by extremists with a variety of motivations. Some strengthening Australia’s resilience to people, including individuals in Australia, radicalisation and assisting individuals to remain committed to undertaking or supporting disengage from violent extremist influences and acts of violence in pursuit of their cause. beliefs. What is the government doing? The benefit of achieving the vision is: In partnership with communities, the Australian The threat to Australia of violent extremism is Government is working to address factors that reduced as individuals and groups choose non- make people vulnerable to extremist influences, violent expression of views. including recruitment by terrorists, noting there is not just one path to violent extremism. Supporting individuals to choose non-violent Extremists often exploit social and economic forms of expression will reduce the extremist conditions and individual vulnerabilities to threat to Australia. At the same time, an recruit and motivate others. environment where the threat is reduced may encourage individuals to engage in Australia’s democratic process and freely express their views and concerns in non-violent ways.

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Our objectives The Australian Government is focusing on the To achieve our vision, the Australian following areas of activity: Government, in cooperation with partners, is working to: Identification and Information Sharing 1. Identify and divert violent extremists and, when possible, support them in disengaging Identifying violent extremist ideology at an early from violent extremism stage and facilitating enhanced sharing of information and intelligence. 2. Identify and support at-risk groups and individuals to resist and reject violent extremist ideologies Motivation, Recruitment and Containment 3. Build community cohesion and resilience to Understanding the process and methods of violent extremism recruiters and the motivation of recruits, and 4. Achieve effective communications that chal- containing the influence of violent extremist lenge extremist messages and support al- ideology. ternatives Communities, both through their own activities Referral and Support, Diversion and and in collaboration with government, play a Rehabilitation vital role in achieving these objectives. Establishing appropriate referral mechanisms for Our areas of work services that support individuals to choose non The Government has identified a range of violent forms of expression and participate in priority areas of work through consultation with society. communities, research, intelligence advice and consideration of international best practice. Education Government agencies at all levels (federal, State/Territory and local) are pursuing Building community resistance to violent programmes that challenge violent extremism, extremism by equipping communities with the either by building resilience to the negative skills and resources to understand and address influence of intolerant and extremist ideologies, extremism and reduce marginalisation. or by addressing the factors that make individuals vulnerable to extremist influences. Communication

The Government is also working with Developing key messages that inform and communities to challenge extremist messages empower communities to challenge extremist and support constructive participation in ideologies and support the non-violent expression Australia’s democratic processes. of views.

Encouraging the dissemination of counter narratives and providing appropriate communication channels for delivering them.

More information For more information please contact the Countering Violent Extremism Unit, Attorney-General’s Department via email [email protected]

www.livingsafetogether.gov.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES

www.livingsafetogether.gov.au