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Be alert, But not alarmedLet's look out for Australia

Theme: Cultural diversity and multiculturalism - International racism and anti-racism - Racism in Australia - Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
Key Learning Area: English - Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE)
Age Group: Primary Upper (10-12) - Secondary Lower (13-14) - Secondary Middle (15-16) Resource Type: Posters and artwork
Stimulus Name: Be alert, but not alarmed

Outcomes

Students explore the meaning of terrorism and its implication for Australia.
Students consider the intended and possible outcomes of aspects of the Commonwealth Government's National Security Public Information Campaign.

Introduction

The Commonwealth Government is conducting a national campaign to inform and reassure the community about national security issues. The campaign consists of television, radio and print advertisements, a booklet to be delivered to all households and a hotline for Australians to report concerns.
This is a sensitive area. Teachers need to consider that some students or their families may be victims directly or indirectly of terrorism or may be sympathetic to causes supported by what is generally considered terrorist activity. Students may also be affected and distressed by the Bali terrorist bombings.

Worksheets to download
Teacher's notes (gif File)
Hypotheticals (gif File)

Suggested Activities

  1. Introduction
    Download Teacher's notes and refer to International Terrorism lesson idea.
    • What is terrorism?
    • How is a terrorist different from a rebel, a guerilla, a freedom fighter, a mercenary and a criminal
      Present the students with definitions of terrorism
      e.g.the United States Department of Defence (USDoD)
      the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.
      the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
      the use or threatened use of violence for political ends, or any use or threatened use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear.

    • Which words highlight the differences between the activities of terrorists and other criminals?
  2. National Security Public Information Campaign (NSPIC)
    "Terrorism has changed the world, and Australia is not immune. But the way of life we all value so highly must go on. Australians are friendly, decent, democratic people, and we're going to stay that way. Our security agencies have been upgraded and are ready to detect, prevent and respond to terrorism. All of us can play a part by keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. The public information campaign includes TV, national press and Non-English-Speaking Background press to ensure that the message reaches everyone in the country." (NSPIC)
    • Discuss
      What recent events suggest that Australia is no longer immune from terrorism?
      Do you feel affected personally? How? Why?
  3. The print advertisements
    1. Protecting the Australian way of life from a possible terrorist threat
    2. Help protect Australia from terrorism
       View the NSPIC print advertisements at the Commonwealth Government's National Security Public Information Campaign or print student copies.
      The first advertisement
    • Read the advertisement.
    • What new measures are the Commonwealth Government taking to strengthen Australia's counter terrorist capabilities?
    • What is being spent on these measures?
    • What words and phrases are used to promote a sense of unity?
    • What do the visual images portray?
      the Australian way of life:
      the beach
      the barbecue
      co-operation with authority/ the law
      children who appear to have diverse backgrounds

    • What is the intention behind the choice of images?
    • Do they reinforce the text of the advertisement?
    • How do we see ourselves?
    • What IS the Australian way of life?

      The NEW advertisement
      • Read the advertisement
      • What other Government initiative is this NEW advertisement promoting?
      • What messages introduced in the text of the first advertisement are being reinforced in the NEW advertisement?
  4. Hypotheticals
    Download hypotheticals
    Make an OHT or read to students.
    Discuss

    • Which of these incidents would you have reported?
    • Would you have reported them if you spoke the same language as, looked like or knew the people involved?
    • What were the probable mundane explanations for these incidents?
    • Under what additional circumstances might you have reported them?
    • In making judgments what must we avoid?
    • What do you think of the slogans
      Let's look out for Australia
      Be alert, but not alarmed
      If it doesn't add up ring up
      Help protect Australia from terrorism

    • What do you think are the intended outcomes of this campaign?
    • Do you think this is an effective campaign
Related Resources

International Terrorism lesson idea
Fact sheet Terrorism

Relevant websites to visit
Commonwealth Government's National Security Public Information Campaign

Date: 10 February 2003