A former Canberra journalist who was on a three-year good behaviour order has been charged with a terrorism offence in Queensland.
James Michael Waugh, 29, is alleged to have sought firearms training and had allegedly planned to undertake a terrorist act in the Bundaberg region.
He was arrested on Friday and charged with one count of doing an act in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. Mr Waugh faced the Brisbane Arrest Court on Saturday morning and, reportedly, did not apply for bail.
The former Canberra journalist, who now lives in Kepnock, was charged following an investigation from the Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
A joint statement from the Australian Federal Police and the Queensland Police Service said that investigators had become concerned about threats Mr Waugh allegedly made to a member of the public.
Police then raided a property in Kepnock on November 3, 2020.
Electronic devices and a notebook were allegedly seized during the search. It has been alleged the devices had documents that indicated a desire to "undertake acts of violent extremism".
"The decision to charge this man was made to prevent a terrorist attack in Australia and to protect the community," AFP assistant commissioner counter terrorism Scott Lee said.
Mr Waugh was placed on a three-year good behaviour order in May in the ACT Magistrates Court.
The terrorism charge carries a maximum term of life imprisonment.
