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Australia reviewing security for mass gatherings at major events

Australian authorities are reviewing security arrangements for mass public gatherings after the deadly Manchester terrorist attack that killed 22 people.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Australian authorities learn from every terrorist attack around the world and strengthen security arrangements.

Australia is working with New Zealand counter-terrorism authorities on a strategy that coordinates police, intelligence, local governments and venue operators to better protect people attending events such as next week’s State of Origin game and Sydney’s Vivid festival.

“You’ll see heightened police presences at events like this, you will see more obstacles, bollard, barriers put in the way to prevent vehicle-borne attacks,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the ABC radio Wednesday.

Already, people will have seen a stronger police presence and barriers to prevent vehicle attacks at large public events, the Prime Minister said.

“We learn from every attack in every part of the world and we respond to that here,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“We must be more agile, more dynamic, more rapid in our response than our enemies are.”

The federal government, through its coordinator for counter-terrorism, was reviewing security arrangements for major events and constantly upgrading and refining them.

Overnight, the prime minister chaired a meeting of cabinet’s national security committee that included the heads of the Australian Federal police, spy agencies ASIO and ASIS and the defence force.

Australia’s terror threat level remains at “probable” but is constantly under review, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

“I note Islamic State has claimed responsibility (for the Manchester attack) on social media but it is yet to be determined if it was directed by them or merely inspired,” she told reporters.

Australia’s high commissioner in London Alexander Downer has been talking with British authorities including MI5, Metropolitan Police and Manchester police.

It is not yet known if any Australians were caught up in the attack.

“I must point out that the grisly task of identifying bodies continues and we are in touch with all the major hospitals in Manchester,” Ms Bishop told the Nine Network.

Travel advice for UK

Australians in the United Kingdom have been urged to exercise a high degree of caution following the terrorist attack in Manchester that killed at least 22 people.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Wednesday upgraded its travel advice for the UK.

“In light of the UK’s increase to its threat level, we now advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom,” it says.

Australians in Manchester have been told to avoid the arena area as police investigations continue as well as prepare for significant transport delays.

“Be vigilant with your personal security, monitor the media and follow local authorities’ instructions,” the advice says.

– With AAP

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