Malcolm Turnbull downplays possibility of increasing military action in the Middle East, urges nation it’s not time for “machismo”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined possibilities of intensifying Australia’s military action against the ISIS in a major speech on national security in Parliament on Tuesday. He reassured Australians that even though Australia could be a possible target for terror attacks, the Paris incidents have not changed anything materially.

He pointed out that a calm and appropriate response is necessary at this hour rather than giving in to “gestures or machismo” fuelled by anger. He warned not to give into the hype around the ISIS and noted that the group has lost its momentum and is now in a weak position.

The prime minister also said that the government is putting its best foot forward to protect civilian from any possible terror threat, adding he has also asked the law enforcement agencies to ensure a strong response in case of any such incident.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police heads have informed the prime minister that none of the terror attacks that took place around the word in the last few months would have any material effect on Australia’s security.

Turnbull pointed out that no decision should be taken as a result of anger towards the deadly Paris attacks.

“We should grieve and we should be angry, but we must not let grief or anger cloud our judgment,” he said in his speech. “Our response must be as clear-eyed and strategic as it is determined. This is not a time for gestures or machismo. Calm, clinical, professional, effective – that’s how we defeat this menace.”

The prime minister presented a picture of the domestic as well as global security situations post terror attacks in France, Turkey, Lebanon, Mali and the downing of the Russian jet in Egypt, during his speech.

The revamp of Australia’s terror alert system will also commence this week, the prime minister announced. This will enable better assessment of the nature of the threat. Australians travelling to south-east Asian countries have also been warned by Turnbull of a heightened security threat. To deal with such threats, Turnbull said that more cooperation in intelligence sharing with neighbours is required.

As opposed to what was advocated by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and few other supporters, Turnbull emphasised on community unity as a strong weapon against terrorism.

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