Australian Prime Minister John Howard (file photo)

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has warned that a London-style terror attack could happen in his country.

Mr. Howard said Sunday he will double his spy agency's staff numbers to combat the threat, in line with recent recommendations from his government.

Mr. Howard says the Australian Security Intelligence Organization will increase to almost 2,000 people (to 1,860 from 980) in the next five years. The prime minister also recently introduced new counter-terror laws.

Australia has had no major terrorist attacks on its soil, but militant groups have vilified Australia for its support of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Ninety two Australians were killed in two militant bombings on the Indonesian island of Bali.

The July bombings in London killed 52 people and four suicide bombers.