CANBERRA — A 17-year-old Canberra teenager became the first person charged with planning a terrorist act in the Australian Capital Territory when he appeared in the ACT Children's Court on Tuesday to face two additional terrorism offences. The charges, laid by the territory's joint counter terrorism team, include acts in preparation for a terrorist act and transmitting violent extremist material.

The teenager was first arrested and charged on 5 November last year after alleged violent extremist material was located during the execution of a search warrant. He has been remanded in custody since his arrest.

The Australian Federal Police, ACT Policing and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation alleged the teenager was planning an attack on people not known to him, motivated by views aligned with nationalist and racist extremism. Preparing for a terrorist attack carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

AFP assistant commissioner of counter-terrorism Peter Crozier said following the court appearance that extremist content was being used to incite violence. "Violent extremist material is circulated by terrorist organisations to promote violence, hate and division within Australian society," he said. "We strongly emphasise the important role that parents, schools, social services and technology companies have in preventing access to violent extremist material by our youth."

ACT Policing deputy chief police officer Richard Chin outlined the approach being taken to address access to extremist content in the territory. "We are focused on limiting the accessibility of violent extremist material and promoting education and awareness for those in protective roles, including parents, educators and healthcare providers in the ACT, to maximise prevention and early intervention options," he said. "Parents and teachers are often the first to spot when something doesn't seem right. Recognising early signs of changes in a young persons behaviour can play a crucial role in guiding young people to safe and supportive pathways," Chin added.