Local Safety

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Sun Safety

With the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, Australians know the phrase "slip, slop, slap" means slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher) and slap on a wide-brimmed hat. However, tourists still chose to ignore these warnings to "get a tan" as they do not realize that the Aussie sun can burn skin in as little as 15 minutes, even on a cloudy day. 

Dangerous Animals

• Shark attacks in Australia are rare. However, they are part of the natural waterways around Australia. To reduce risk, swim between the flags on patrolled beaches, do not swim or surf at dusk or evening, avoid swimming alone, a long way offshore, or along drop-offs to deep-water.
• Crocodiles live in rivers and coastal estuaries across Northern Australia. When travelling near crocodile habitats (including the northern Great Barrier Reef coastline), observe safety signs and do not swim in rivers, estuaries, deep pools or mangrove shores. Also seek expert advice about crocodiles before camping, fishing, or boating.
• Marine stingers are present in the tropical oceans around Northern Australia from November to May. During this time you can only swim within stinger-resistant enclosures which are set up on the most popular beaches. You will also need to wear protective clothing when swimming, snorkelling, or diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Always observe warning signs.
• When bush-walking or hiking, you can avoid snakes and spider bites by wearing protective footwear. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention by phoning 000. The most harmful spiders in Australia are the red back and funnel web, however, anti-venoms were made available in 1981.
• Cassowaries, pictured on the right, can be aggressive and unpredictable. Never approach cassowaries. They can injure you or your pet with their large, clawed feet. Never approach chicks as both males and females will defend them. It is illegal and dangerous to feed these large birds. Lastly, if you come face-to-face with an aggressive bird, back away slowly and put something like a tree or a backpack between yourself and the bird, then let it go on its way. 

Water Safety

When swimming at Australia's beaches, be aware of strong currents called rips. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate the section patrolled by Surf Lifesavers. Never swim alone, at night, under the influence of alcohol, or directly after a meal. Always check water depth before diving in and never run and dive into the water from the beach.

Global Security

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Australian's Defence Force consists of 51 800 active-duty personnel and 21 600 reserves. These forces are split into army, navy and air force. The national defense budget for the fiscal year 2005 was US$12.4 billion, representing about 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Australia's most important foreign military relationship is with the United States. The mutual defense relationship is formalized in the Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty. Australia also belongs to a military alliance with Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom under the Five-Power Defense Arrangements.

Australia faces an external threat from regional terrorist organizations, particularly al Qaeda affiliates, such as Jemaah Islamiyan Community of Islam. Australia has reached a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei that formalizes counter-terrorism cooperations.