NZ HERALD 30 SEPT - NEW COUNTER-TERRORISM RAIDS UNDERWAY IN AUSTRALIA

Police have confirmed counter-terrorism raids are underway across Melbourne. Victoria and Australian Federal police launched the raids on homes at five suburbs this morning. "The Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police Joint Counter Terrorism Team can confirm that a number of search warrants are being conducted as part of an operation in the following suburbs - Seabrook, Kealba, Meadow Heights, Broadmeadows and Flemington," an AFP spokesperson said in a statement. "This operational activity is not in response to a threat to public safety nor is it related to last week's incident at Endeavour Hills. "While this activity is continuing no further comment will be made." At least one man has been taken away by police at Seabrook. Teenage terror suspect Numan Haider, 18, was shot dead after stabbing two police officers outside Endeavour Hills police station on September 23. The Melbourne raids come about two weeks after similar operations were carried out in Sydney and Brisbane. Victoria's Premier Denis Napthine says he was briefed by police as the raids started and was told they were part of a long-running and ongoing counter-terrorism operation. "They advised yes, they are counter-terrorism related, but they are not related to the incident last week at Endeavour Hills," he told Fairfax Radio. "They are no threat to public safety. They are raids that are part of an ongoing operation "There is no threat to public safety. They are part of an ongoing effort combined between the AFP and Victoria Police. "I can't say further than that. "They are not about a specific threat or there is certainly no immediate concern for public safety." Dr Napthine said he had not been advised of any arrests stemming from the raids. "There certainly will be intelligence gathering and arrests as appropriate," he said. He said it was a "sad situation", but he had great confidence in authorities conducting the operations. "It is sad. It's a sad situation that we now face, but we can have confidence in the work of ASIO, the Australian Federal Police and the (Victoria Police), they do a terrific job," Dr Napthine said. "They certainly are ahead of the game in terms of protecting public safety and preventing any issues emerging in our society." LINK: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/australia/news/article.cfm?l_id=15&objectid=11333823