A 16-year-old boy is set to appear in a NSW Children's Court today (25 March, 2026) charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (NSW JCTT).
The NSW JCTT began an investigation on 10 December, 2025, following a report of an individual posting threats of extremist violence online.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Sydney's Inner West on 11 December, 2025, and reviewed a number of electronic devices. A gel blaster and a flick knife were located and seized.
The young person was charged with:
- One count of possessing an unathorised pistol, contrary to section 7(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), and;
- One count of possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW).
These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
The young person appeared before a NSW Children's Court on 12 December, 2025, where he was formally refused bail. They were subsequently granted bail by the same court on 19 December, 2025.
A further review of the young person's electronic devices identified information relating to extremist violence. It will be alleged the young person held a mixed ideology and outlined plans for acts of violence.
On 24 March, 2026 NSW JCTT investigators laid further charges on the young person:
- One count of collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years;
- Two counts of making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; and
- Two counts of did possess violent extremist material contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
The young person is expected to appear at a NSW Children's Court today (25 March, 2026).
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
