$74 MILLION BOOST TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND ONLINE THREATS
The Albanese Government will provide $74 million over two years to set up a dedicated national centre to detect and disrupt the evolving threat of online violent extremism and terrorism.
The Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be jointly led by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, working in partnership with local and international law enforcement partners, to target online terrorists who threaten violence and manipulate vulnerable young people.
The Centre will enable specialist counter terrorism investigators and intelligence analysts to monitor high-risk online spaces, assess credible threats and coordinate disruption of extremist content and activity, including through covert online engagement.
The capability will enable better alignment nationally of counter-terrorism activities and law enforcement responses. Any operational responses from the Counter Terrorism Online Centre will complement existing counter terrorism efforts such as the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams.
Violent extremists are increasingly being radicalised online and the pathways for radicalisation are evolving every day.
Targeted radicalisation and recruitment often occur via gaming platforms. Private chat groups on social media also act as echo chambers and channels for radicalisation and promotion of violence.
Of concern is how online radicalisation is impacting the most vulnerable in our community – young people. On 8 January 2024, the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Act 2023 came into effect, introducing new offences for:
Using a carriage service for violent extremist material; and
Possessing or controlling violent extremist material that was obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
In the two years the legislation has been in effect, the AFP, ASIO and their Joint Counter Terrorism Team partners have charged 31 individuals with violent extremist material offences. Of those individuals, 19 were aged 17 years or younger.
This enhanced response will enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to work closer and intervene earlier to disrupt online youth radicalisation.
This continued investment is required to protect Australia from individuals and groups who seek to erode Australia’s social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and violence.
The funding is part of a package of $80 million over two years from 2026–27 to enhance capabilities to counter terrorism threats online, and prevent violent extremism and youth radicalisation.
The funding is in addition to the government’s $106.2 million investment over four years from 2024-25 as part of the release of A Safer Australia – Australia’s Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025.
If you see something of concern contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or via the online form https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/what-can-i-do/report-suspicious-behaviour/national-security-hotline-online-report . If you have concerns about a friend, family member or someone in the community, and you want to learn more, please visit https://steptogether.gov.au/
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke:
“More young Australians are being radicalised online, and it happens fast.
“We already have centres dedicated to protecting children and combatting cyber crime; establishing a centre for online violence extremism and terrorism is the next logical step in a fast-moving threat environment.
“The capability we’ve always had to monitor extremists in the meeting room, now extends to the chat room.
“A bolstered online threat capability will give AFP and ASIO the resources they need to target terrorists and violent extremists online”.
“Everyone needs to be alert to potential threats from terrorist and extremist organisations online and I urge anyone who sees something that raises concerns to contact the National Security Hotline”.