Police say a 20-year-old Ocean Shores man is behind bars (refused bail) and will face court in Tweed Heads Local Court on 18 September, charged with advocating terrorism.
A joint media release between the AFP, NSW Police Force, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission says the man appeared in the NSW Bail Division Court on 9 July.
They said, ‘The man, 20, was charged following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), comprising members from AFP, NSW Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and NSW Crime Commission’.
‘An investigation began after concerning online posts, which allegedly promoted racially motivated and violent extremist ideology, were reported to police.
‘NSW JCTT investigators allege the man is linked to the online posts and executed a search warrant at a home in Ocean Shores, in northern NSW on 8 July, where they located and seized a mobile phone.
‘Following an examination of the mobile phone, investigators identified material allegedly advocating online for individuals to commit acts of terrorism, as well as suspected violent extremist material. Investigators also allegedly located a number of weapons and ammunition.
‘The man was charged with:
- One count of advocating terrorism, contrary to section 80.2C of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment;
- One count of using a carriage service for violent extremist material, contrary to section 474.45B of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment;
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment; and
- Possess ammunition without holding a licence, contrary to section 65 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said the AFP and its partners remained committed to identifying and disrupting individuals whose online activity posed a risk to community safety.
‘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.
‘Public vigilance plays an important role in this effort, and we encourage anyone who becomes aware of concerning behaviour to report it to police.”
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, said 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,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker 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.’
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