It is important to make a report when you think that there is a person, group or content that could be a threat to the community. It allows for investigations and actions to take place to protect people from harm, including the person you are concerned about.
If there isn't an immediate danger to someone's safety or to the community, a reported person might be evaluated to see if they can join an early intervention program. These programs focus on helping the person with their needs to improve their life and guide them away from dangerous actions or behaviours that could lead them into the criminal justice system.
Where to find help
Always call 000 in an emergency
- Non-urgent reporting to Victoria Police phone: 131 444
- Online: Victoria Police – Online Reporting
- For information on what to do in the event of a terrorist attack, go to the Australian National Security Website – What to do in an attack
National Security Hotline
The National Security Hotline (NSH) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is a central point of contact to report concerns about possible signs of violent extremism.
You can report issues anonymously to the National Security Hotline that you think might pose a threat to our national security. The threat does not have to be imminent to report it to the hotline.
This could include:
- someone threatening to harm people or damage infrastructure
- websites or social media promoting violent extremist ideology
- excess purchasing of chemicals or other dangerous materials
- suspicious travel planning or abandoned luggage
- someone you’re concerned is at risk of becoming radicalised.
Reporting your concerns
The smallest piece of information can assist an investigation. It can be hard to know what might be important. NSH operators will know what to do with the information you provide .
When necessary and where permitted by law, they will pass your information onto law enforcement and security agencies for further analysis.
- Phone within Australia: 1800 123 400
- Phone outside Australia: (+61) 1300 123 401
- Teletypewriter: 1800 234 889
- SMS: 0498 562 549
- Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au
- Website: National Security Hotline
Reporting online content
You can also report online violent extremist content to the National Security Hotline through the Step Together website. If possible, try to report the extremist content directly to the platform that you found the material on, such as a social media website.
You can also report harmful online content on the eSafety Commissioner’s website for review and possible removal. When they receive a report about serious online abuse, their investigators can also help to:
- protect you
- manage the effects of serious online abuse
- find counselling and support.
Under Australian Law, the eSafety Commissioner can issue a takedown notice to an online platform or service to remove the worst type of harmful online material or block access to protect Australian users from viewing this content. This includes content that shows, describes, promotes, incites or instructs people in extreme violent acts, including terrorism.
Updated