The Australian government said onThursday it is ready to confront the terrorist threat, vowing to do everything in its power to prevent possible terrorist attacks.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Thursday announced the launch of Australia's first White Paper on terrorism,underlining that Australia is facing a serious threat from international terrorism.

"Contemporary terrorism differs from any threat previously faced by Australia. This scourge compromises our way of life and we cannot ignore or hide from it," Downer said in a statement.

The launch of the White Paper reflects the high priority the Australian government places on dealing with this difficult issue and on keeping the public fully informed of the extent of the threat to Australia's interests, he said.

The White Paper details the nature and international dimensionsof the evolving terrorist threat to Australia, highlighting its manifestations globally and how Australia's interests at home and abroad are endangered.

The White Paper also underlines Australia's previous and ongoing efforts to diminish the threat, strengthening Australia's strong commitment to greater cooperation with regional partners, traditional allies and other members of the global community, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the Paper demonstrates that terrorism must be challenged in a clear-sighted and forceful way by Australia and other communities under threat.

Source: Xinhua