Canberra teenager charged over allegedly planning ACT terror attack

A Canberra teenager has become the first person to be charged with planning a terrorist act in the ACT.

On 5 November last year, the 17-year-old was arrested and charged after alleged violent extremist material was located during a search warrant. He has been remanded in custody since his arrest.

On Tuesday, he was charged with additional terrorism offences by the territory’s joint counter terrorism team (JCTT), including acts in preparation for a terrorist act and transmitting violent extremist material.

The Australian federal police, ACT policing and Asio alleged the teenager was planning an attack on people not known to him, motivated by views aligned with “nationalist and racist extremism”.

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He appeared in the ACT’s children court on Tuesday to face the two additional charges. Preparing for a terrorist attack has a maximum sentence of life in prison.

AFP assistant commissioner of counter-terrorism, Peter Crozier, said it was alarming to see young Australians being exposed to violent extremist material and propaganda.

“Violent extremist material is circulated by terrorist organisations to promote violence, hate and division within Australian society,” he said.

“We strongly emphasise the important role that parents, schools, social services and technology companies have in preventing access to violent extremist material by our youth.”

ACT policing deputy chief police officer Richard Chin said the priority for police was “to ensure the safety of the ACT community”.

“We are focused on limiting the accessibility of violent extremist material and promoting education and awareness for those in protective roles, including parents, educators and healthcare providers in the ACT, to maximise prevention and early intervention options,” he said.

“Parents and teachers are often the first to spot when something doesn’t seem right. Recognising early signs of changes in a young persons behaviour can play a crucial role in guiding young people to safe and supportive pathways.”