Government to establish $74 million counter-terrorism online centre

The Albanese government will provide $74 million over two years to establish a dedicated national centre to detect and disrupt online violent extremism and terrorism, with a particular focus on youth radicalisation.

The Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be jointly led by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police, working with local and international law enforcement partners to target online terrorists who threaten violence and manipulate vulnerable young people.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the centre was needed because more young Australians are being radicalised online at an increasingly rapid pace.

“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,” Burke said.

“The capability we’ve always had to monitor extremists in the meeting room, now extends to the chat room.”

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.

Burke said the funding would give the AFP and ASIO “the resources they need to target terrorists and violent extremists online”.

The government said violent extremists are increasingly being radicalised online, with targeted radicalisation and recruitment often occurring via gaming platforms. Private chat groups on social media also act as echo chambers and channels for radicalisation and promotion of violence.

Of particular concern is how online radicalisation is impacting young people. Since January 8, 2024, when new offences for using a carriage service for violent extremist material and possessing or controlling such material came into effect, the AFP, ASIO and their Joint Counter Terrorism Team partners have charged 27 individuals with violent extremist material offences.

Of those individuals, 15 were aged 17 years or younger.

The enhanced response will enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to work closer and intervene earlier to disrupt online youth radicalisation.

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.

It 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.

Burke said the continued investment was required to protect Australia from individuals and groups who seek to erode the country’s social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and violence.

Any operational responses from the Counter Terrorism Online Centre will complement existing counter-terrorism efforts such as the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams.

The capability will enable better alignment nationally of counter-terrorism activities and law enforcement responses.

Burke urged anyone who sees something of concern to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or via the online form at nationalsecurity.gov.au.

Those with concerns about a friend, family member or someone in the community can visit steptogether.gov.au for more information.