Counter-Terrorism Capability Development
The Counter-Terrorism Capability Development Branch (CTCDB) is part of the National Security Capability Development Division within the National Security and Criminal Justice Group of AGD.
1. National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) Coordination
CTCDB supports the capability development and related policy programs of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCTC) including:
- providing counter-terrorism (CT) capability development advice.
- coordinating the NCTC program of activities including:
- CT exercises
- sub-committees, forums and working groups
- CT skills enhancement training
- the acquisition of specialist CT equipment
- the CT training consumables program
- CT Evaluation
- CT Research and Development
- CT communications and information management.
- providing secretariat support to the various NCTC committees, sub-committees, fora and working groups
- coordinating the review and update of the:
- National Counter-Terrorism Plan
- National Counter-Terrorism Handbook
- National Security Public Information Guidelines (in collaboration with AGD public affairs)
- managing the NCTC Administered Fund
- coordinating the development and use of the NCTC Support Portal
- providing advice and coordinating broader national security capability development.
2. National Security Exercises
The Branch coordinates and contributes to a range of national security activities on behalf of the Department and the Australian Government such as national security exercises.
The Branch plans and coordinates the conduct of national security exercises in support of the NCTC, the Australian Emergency Management Committee (AEMC) and Commonwealth agencies when appropriate.
The exercises provide a strong framework for testing and evaluating Australia's national security arrangements, at both the national and State and Territory levels.
The NCTC exercise program involves the Australian Government and all States and Territories. The program encompasses three main styles of exercises - discussion, functional and field exercises. Many NCTC exercise program are multi-jurisdictional exercises, which involve all three styles of exercise with participants drawn from all levels of government as well as the private sector, across multiple jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Branch oversights the NCTC 'drill-style' exercise program, which allows each State and Territory to focus on issues specific to their arrangements.