A Darwin teenager is scheduled to appear in a children’s court today (4 November, 2026) charged by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team Northern Territory (JCTT-NT) with collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts.
The teenager is the second young person charged as part of an ongoing JCTT-NT investigation into the collection of terrorism-related material and online discussions concerning terrorist acts.
The JCTT-NT investigation began last month after receiving information via Crime Stoppers about violent extremist material being posted online by an Australian user.
Investigators charged the first Darwin teenager last Wednesday (28 October, 2026). He remains before the courts.
Following further investigations, the JCTT-NT executed a search warrant at another Darwin home yesterday (3 November,2026), where they seized items of clothing, documents, electronic devices, and controlled and prohibited weapons.
An initial examination of the documents and electronic devices identified material and online discussions with a mixed ideological motivation, including glorification of mass casualty attacks at schools.
A teenager was arrested at the home and charged with collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
Investigations by the JCTT-NT, which comprises the AFP, Northern Territory Police Force and ASIO, are ongoing.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said youth radicalisation may be the greatest challenge Australia was facing.
“When I became Commissioner, I promised I would have candid conversations with Australians to inform them about the threats they face, and this one is confronting,” Commissioner Barrett said.
“In the current climate of fraying social harmony, we are seeing more disengaged, confused, resentful and sometimes violent young people.
“It is also coming at a time when many protective factors, such as support like family, sport, school, faith leaders, teachers, are eroding or are not there at all. These are the reinforcements that cocoon our young people from harm.
“Often, when the AFP charge young people for serious crimes, it is because one or more of these protective factors are missing, however, that is not always the case, and some young people, impressionable and curious, are just being manipulated, and a lot of the time, it’s via social media.
“Many youths want answers about contentious or polarising issues. So instead of asking a parent, teacher or coach, they look for answers online and are often siphoned to sites that peddle mis and disinformation, or to chat groups or platforms that are violent, racist or are misogynist.
“The simple fact is; the number of young people being investigated by our Joint Counter Terrorism Teams is increasing.
“If it used to take a village to raise a child, because of advances in technology, it now takes a country to keep them safe. This is not a problem law enforcement can solve on its own. This requires a whole-of-society effort.”
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the identification of a second young person during the investigation was deeply concerning.
“It is disappointing and confronting to see another young person allegedly involved in matters of this nature, particularly so soon after charges were laid against another teenager,” Commissioner Dole said.
“These are serious allegations and they reinforce why we cannot afford to be complacent about violent extremism or the influences young people can encounter online.
“What should reassure Territorians is the response. The Joint Counter Terrorism Team brings together the Northern Territory Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO, and this investigation again demonstrates the strength of that partnership.
“When information comes to our attention, it is assessed, investigated and, where necessary, acted upon.
“I understand that the involvement of another young person may cause concern in the community. I want to be clear that people should be alert, not alarmed. Our investigators are working closely with our Commonwealth partners and, I can assure everyone that we will fully investigate, and when needed, act upon all relevant information arising from this matter.
“This is also a reminder that keeping young people safe from radicalisation is not something police can do alone. Parents, families, schools and the wider community all have a role.
“Be interested in what young people are doing online, talk to them and pay attention to significant changes in behaviour. If something concerns you, tell someone. Information from the community can make an enormous difference.”
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) or local police (131 444).
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 people seeking advice on how to support loved ones and protect them from negative violent extremist interest.
