Australia is now one of seven Western countries ranked in the worst 50 for terrorism, according to a new study.

The findings were part of the Global Terrorism Index 2025 released today, and come after the warning from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation that “lone wolf” terror attacks remain a major threat.

Researchers say the Gaza conflict has caused instability in the Middle East and has stoked terror attacks in the West.

Australia was hit by five incidents over the past year, up from zero in 2023, the report said.

Last month, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess in a threat assessment, warned Australia’s biggest terrorism threat “remains a lone actor using an easily obtained weapon”.

The spy chief also raised concerns about young Australians being caught up in “webs of hate, both religiously and ideologically motivated” and predicted tough times for social cohesion with spikes in communal violence.

Based on the past year, Australia fell 13 spots to 46th place on the Global Terrorism Index, with the lower the ranking reflecting a poorer terrorism situation.

Australia and is among seven nations in the West among the worst 50. They are Germany (27th), the US (34th), France (40th), the UK (41st), Canada (48th), and Sweden (50th).

The Global Terrorism Index is produced by international think tank the Institute for Economics & Peace and has been published annually for the last 12 years.