Australia 'facing imminent risk of terror attack'

Up to 60 Islamic extremists are actively involved in terrorist cells in Australia, the federal police commissioner confirmed today after a former spymaster claimed it was only a matter of time before an attack is launched on Australian soil.

Michael Roach, a senior official who recently retired from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, or ASIO, said Australia is facing an imminent risk of a terrorist attack, and has called for more extreme counterterrorism powers.