A 20-year-old man from northern NSW has been refused bail after being charged with a string of terrorism and firearms offences linked to alleged extremist content posted online.
Police say the man, from Ocean Shores in the state’s Northern Rivers region, came to the attention of authorities after “concerning online posts” were reported, which allegedly promoted racially motivated and violent extremist ideology and encouraged others to commit acts of terrorism. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which is made up of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission, launched an investigation and executed a search warrant at his home on Wednesday, July 8.
During that search, investigators seized a mobile phone and later allegedly found material advocating online for individuals to commit acts of terrorism, along with suspected violent extremist content. Officers also allegedly located a number of weapons and ammunition at the Ocean Shores property.
Following the investigation, the man was charged with four offences. These include one count of advocating terrorism, contrary to section 80.2C of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
He is also facing one count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material under section 474.45B of the Criminal Code (Cth), with a maximum penalty of five years. On top of the terrorism-related charges, he’s been accused of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit under section 7 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW), which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment, and possessing ammunition without holding a licence under section 65 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), which carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.
He appeared in the NSW Bail Division Court on Thursday where bail was refused. The matter has been adjourned, and he is next scheduled to appear in Tweed Heads Local Court on September 18 of this year.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said authorities were focused on identifying and disrupting potential threats emerging online.
“The AFP takes all reports of extremist or violent behaviour seriously and will investigate information that suggests a person may be encouraging, supporting or planning acts of violence,” Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.
“Working alongside our partners in the NSW JCTT, we are focused on detecting potential threats early and taking appropriate action to reduce the risk of harm to the Australian community.”
He also stressed the importance of public vigilance, encouraging anyone who becomes aware of “concerning behaviour” to contact police.
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, echoed that message, saying “there is no place in our community for violent or extremist behaviour”.
“Any person who commits, promotes, or threatens to commit an act motivated by extremist ideologies poses a risk to the broader public and hate fuelled behaviours will not be tolerated,” she said.
“These people have the potential to cause significant harm to our communities and threaten social cohesion. Anyone who has information about suspicious or concerning behaviour and activity is urged to contact police.”
Information can be provided to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, and in an emergency or life‑threatening situation, people are urged to call Triple Zero (000).
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