Australia beefs up counter-terrorism capabilities as police 'work around the clock'

Australian authorities have foiled six terror attacks since September last year when the nation's security alert was increased to high, the Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Counter Terrorism said this afternoon. 

Michael Keenan made a short statement this afternoon in relation to Australia's response to the recent Paris terror attack, confirming the terror alert would not change.

Mr Keenan said the government has spent $1.3 billion on upgrading and enhancing resources used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

In addition, four pieces of legislation had been passed to ensure these agencies can "do what they need to do".

Mr Keenan said that Australia's national security alert has been "High" since September last year and that since then there have been three terror attacks, as well as six others that were foiled by authorities.

Mr Keenan said the events in Paris have not changed the terror alert level.

Sydneysiders have also been asked to remain patient if they encounter beefed-up security, on public transport and at major events like the New Year's Eve fireworks, following the Paris attacks.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said police and security officials had their weekends cut short as news broke of the deadly explosions and gunfire in the French capital.

"The police were not resting - indeed they worked around the clock over the weekend to assess whether there was any additional risk to Australia on the back of those attacks," Mr Baird told reporters on Monday.

He did not give specifics of increased security protocols but said "appropriate measures" were being taken.

He has urged members of the public to be patient, cooperate with police and do their bit to report suspicious items or activities.

"There may be some inconvenience as we go about our daily lives, but that shouldn't stop us going about it, and know full well that our police are doing everything they can in their powers to keep us safe," he added