Australia should increase spending on counter-terrorism resources if it is to avoid a repeat of the horrific Bondi Beach shooting, a security expert has warned.
Tony Loughran, a former British elite soldier and Sydney-based security consultant, was speaking with Today this morning as authorities investigate potential links between the alleged gunmen and the Islamic State terror cell.
"Australia's been under-resourced as far as counter-terrorism is concerned for quite some time," said Loughran.
LIVE UPDATES: Australia mourns as Bondi victims fight for life
"And police in particular, we just don't have the manpower ... to keep it going. That's problem exists."
The father and son accused of carrying out the attack - Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24 - are having their backgrounds and movements investigated now.
The Sydney Morning Herald says multiple police sources had confirmed the pair had visited the Philippines and police will investigate why exactly they were there.
Loughran says intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies is vital for identifying potential terrorists and halting attacks.
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"Look at what we did many years ago, where the police worked very, very closely with the security community ... the security groups that we've actually got out there and that's sharing of intelligence as well, because that is key.
"You're looking at individuals who could try and break into systems, venues and so on and forth."
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed yesterday police and ASIO were aware of the 24-year-old Akram, but had no intelligence the pair were planning an attack.
The younger Akram remains in hospital under police guard.
Lanyon also rejected suggestions the Bondi attack - which left 15 innocent people dead - was an intelligence failure.
If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available. To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis. If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here