Clark not informed of Australia 'terror threat'

The Government was not given advance notice of the announcement about a possible terrorist threat to Australia, a spokesman for Prime Minister Helen Clark said last night.

"We heard through news reports that John Howard had made the statement," the spokesman said.

"At that point New Zealand officials contacted their Australian counterparts."

Mr Howard said in his announcement in Canberra that Australia had received "specific information" which raised serious concerns about a potential terrorist threat.

"I don't want to over-alarm people. I have said for a long time the possibility of an attack is there," he said.

Helen Clark said through the spokesman she could not disclose details of the information provided to the Government since the announcement was made.

"Australian officials have confirmed that there is no imminent threat of terrorist attacks in Australia," she said.

"We have also been advised that the Australian general threat level has not been raised. It remains at medium. A terrorist attack is assessed as feasible and could well occur."

- NZPA