A Sydney teenager has appeared before a NSW children’s court today (12 November 2026) charged with collecting and making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and possessing things connected with the preparation of a terrorist act.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) – comprising members of the AFP, NSW Police Force, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission – began an investigation last month into a young person who was undertaking concerning online activity.
JCTT investigators executed a search warrant at a home at Auburn yesterday (11 November, 2026), where they seized documents and multiple electronic devices, which allegedly contained conversations and research for the manufacture of improvised explosives and explosive materials.
The NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit also conducted an assessment of an unknown powder, which was later seized from within the home. Investigators also located and seized a range of electrical components.
All of the seized items will undergo specialist forensic examination.
The young person was subsequently arrested and charged with:
- One count of collect or make documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth),
- One count of possess things connected with the preparation for a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth),
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 year’s imprisonment.
He was formally refused bail and is next expected to appear before the same court on 20 November, 2026.
Investigations by the NSW JCTT are ongoing.
Recognising early signs of change in a young person’s behaviour can play a crucial role in guiding young people to safe and supportive pathways.
Signs a person may be susceptible to radicalisation include:
- distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members;
- an increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda they propagate;
- a child using hateful or emotionally charged language;
- developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues;
- displaying extreme reaction to certain news or politics, or
- spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet.
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. For anonymous reporting, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call 1800 333 000.
Information and support are also available at the Step Together website, which is a helpline and digital support service for members of the community seeking advice on how to support loved ones and protect who may be vulnerable and on a path to violent extremism.
