Safe from terror: you're dreaming

Australians who believe security agencies can protect them from an inevitable terrorist attack are living in dreamland, a prominent military strategist warns.

"Just like these things happen in other countries they will eventually happen in Australia," David Kilcullen said on ABC-TV's Q&A program.

"I don't mean to be pessimistic but I do think we need to be realistic that if you think that the government can protect you from any kind of terrorist attack, you're living in dreamland."