Abbott Clamps Down on National Security

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has spearheaded a new national security policy following the siege in a café in Sydney that resulted in the death of two innocent civilians.

The prime minister spoke of denying welfare payments to those perceived as potential threats, as well as ceasing dual passport privileges.

"Clearly, people are anxious about the national security threats we face. And many are angry. They're very angry. Because all too often, this threat comes from someone who has enjoyed the hospitality and the generosity of the Australian people," Abbott said.

Abbott further mentioned that at least 20 of the 110 Australian citizens who travelled to fight with the Islamic State in Syria have been killed.

A video released this morning from Somali-based separatist group Al Shabab urged for national security vigilance. In the video, a man appeals to Al Shabab supporters to attack major shopping centres, namely ‘American or Jewish-owned’.

The assailant namechecks Minnesota’s Mall of America, which is the second-largest US shopping centre, London’s Oxford Street and Westfield shopping centres, 39 of which are in Australia.

.