Parliament terror attack fears

Parliament House in Canberra
Parliament House in Canberra
Security at Parliament House in Canberra is being ramped up amid reports of a planned terrorist attack.

Senior intelligence sources confirmed to News Corp Australia that spy, police and counter-terrorism agencies had intercepted information regarding a possible attack on Parliament House, and there are concerns the prime minister and other senior officials could be targeted.

The news report said there were fears the building had been "scoped out" for a "Mumbai-style" attack using automatic weapons.

Several armed Australian Federal Police officers have been redeployed to Parliament House, and more will join them in coming days.

Airport level security checks for visitors and barriers are also being considered.

Meanwhile, Sydney company BR Money Transfer has had its licence suspended by money-laundering watchdog AUSTRAC after accusations it might have links to terrorism in the Middle East.

Fairfax Radio says AUSTRAC claims there is "a significant risk" the company, based in Lakemba in Sydney's southwest, could have helped fund terrorist groups after it was revealed $18 million was allegedly smuggled into Lebanon.

Police yesterday launched anti-terrorism raids in Sydney and Brisbane, with 800 officers carrying out 25 searches.

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