A Queensland man is expected to appear in the Warwick Magistrates Court today (23 May, 2026) for allegedly using an encrypted social media platform to encourage acts of violence against political institutions.
The man, 48, was charged after the Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) executed a search warrant in Bowenville yesterday (22 May, 2026) as part of an investigation into alleged online offending.
The JCTT began an investigation earlier this month when a number of concerning posts were identified on an encrypted social media platform.
Investigators will allege the man was responsible for the posts, which encouraged others to carry out acts of politically motivated violence in Australia and overseas.
The man was charged by the JCTT with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Investigations by the JCTT remain ongoing.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman said the AFP would act on information suggesting individuals were promoting or encouraging violence online.
"Protecting the community from harm is our highest priority, and that means acting early when we see warning signs of extremist or violent behaviour," Det Supt Freeman said.
"Through the JCTT, we combine our skills and resources to ensure threats are identified, assessed and disrupted before they can escalate."
Queensland Police Service Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh of Security, Counter-Terrorism and Forensics Service Command said: "The QPS is committed to the prevention of violence to ensure the safety of our community. This outcome reflects the close working relationship with our partner agencies, focusing on the disruption of violent ideologies."
The QLD-JCTT is comprised of members from the Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
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.
