Former PM John Howard saw terrorism as the major security threat to Australia, and actions like joining the US-led coalition in Iraq and the arrest of Benbrika’s group reflected this. Rudd seems to want to worry less about distant threats. In addition to acknowledging the placement of terrorism concerns on the back burner, he has pulled Australian combat troops from Iraq. These moves by Rudd show an interest in establishing Australia as a country with its own agenda and policies, and not one following the advice of its traditional English and American allies.

Rudd’s (and Australia’s) decision seems rational. Australia has not been directly attacked by terrorist groups like stronger anti-terror states (such as the U.S. and the U.K.), and the rapid growth in the militaries and economies of Australia’s Asian neighbors could potentially be more threatening than the poorly-organized attempts of a handful of Islamic extremists in Melbourne. While Australia is not ignoring the potential threat of terrorism, and the country is thrilled to successfully prosecute at least half of the accused group, Australia has indicated that its international focus is no longer on terrorism.