Safety and security

The Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (CMC) provides whole-of-government leadership in a range of portfolio areas that contribute to the safety and security of Territorians.

This includes:

• protective security
• counter terrorism
• critical infrastructure resilience
• countering foreign interference
• emergency and disaster recovery.

The department also contributes to major government initiatives in response to law and order issues.

Counter terrorism

The department leads the development of counter terrorism policy in conjunction with the Northern Territory Police Force.

In a major crisis, CMC will establish the Territory Crisis Coordination Centre to support members of executive government.

Information on counter terrorism can be found at the following websites:

• SecureNT
• Australia-New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee
• National Cabinet.

Read more on terrorism and how to report it.

Critical infrastructure resilience

Critical infrastructure means facilities, supply chains and networks whose unavailability would have significant detrimental impact on the security of Australia or the social and economic wellbeing of its citizens.

Improving the resilience of critical infrastructure in the Northern Territory (NT) involves a range of strategies including protective security, crime prevention, business continuity and risk management, and emergency management.

The Australian Government has a national interest in a number of critical infrastructure sites in the NT which are covered under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth). More information can be found on the Critical Infrastructure Security Centre website.

To read about critical infrastructure protection, go to the National Security website.

Trusted Information Sharing Network

Sharing information on security issues is an important way owners and operators can improve their security and preparation.

For more information on how government and business can share vital security information, go to the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) website.

Personal and business security

Find out more about what to do in an emergency on the National Security website.

The department provides security advice and information to NT Government staff travelling overseas. Much of this advice is based on the information provided on the Smart Traveller website.

Businesses should get a risk assessment on all aspects of their organisation. You can get a copy of the Security Risk Management Handbook (HB 167:2006) for more information.

For more information on managing risk and sustaining business operations, go to the Standards Australia.

Countering foreign interference

The department works closely with the Australian Government to counter foreign interference, build resilience, and mitigate risks.

The NT, due to its strategic location, growing economy, and multicultural community, is particularly vulnerable to foreign interference. Threats could target:

• Defence facilities
• Resource sectors
• Indigenous and culturally diverse communities
• Critical infrastructure

To read more about espionage and foreign interference, visit the SecureNT website.

Emergency recovery coordination

The department coordinates the recovery from emergency and disaster events.

The department is responsible for the recovery phase of an emergency under the Emergency Management Act 2013.

Under the Act the department is responsible for leading the coordination of recovery and the chief executive officer performs the role of the Territory Recovery Coordinator.

Section 9 of the Act that a Territory Emergency Plan is prepared for the jurisdiction.

The Territory Emergency Plan:

• describes the NT's approach to emergency and recovery operations
• outlines the governance and coordination arrangements
• details the roles and responsibilities of other agencies.

To read the Territory Emergency Plan, go to the NT Emergency Service website.

For more information on emergency and safety, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

The recovery phase of an emergency event starts after the initial response has stabilised the situation.

Recovery is a long-term endeavour that spans 4 interconnected domains: social, built, economic and natural. Recovery is most effective when these domains are addressed together, as impacts in one area often affect the others. The department coordinates the activities of government, non-government and community stakeholders following emergency events to restore regular community conditions.

NT residents are encouraged to have their own emergency plans in place to enable self-sufficiency in the first 3 days after a major disaster.

For more information, go to the SecureNT website.