Terror threat level for police in Australia raised to high

Australia's domestic security agency has raised the national terrorism threat level for all police to high.

The threat level moves from medium to high for police officers in the states of New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia in recognition of the danger they face as first responders.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a statement this morning, citing recent terrorism events around the world as reasons for elevating the alert level.

"The factors that led to the elevated terrorism threat level for Australia to high in September 2014 persist and the security environment remains increasingly complex and challenging," said the statement.

It said the recent events in France, Canada and Australia "serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with policing".

The Australian police said while relatively small, an increasing number of Australians linked to overseas terrorist groups had the intent and capability to conduct an attack against them.

"I'm confident that our officers are trained, and our officers are equipped and able to do that job of protecting the community," it added.