Two more teens in Moree charged over extremist material

A counter-terrorism investigation in northern New South Wales has widened following the arrest of two more teenagers over alleged extremist material.

Authorities are currently examining whether this case reflects a broader pattern of youth radicalisation in the region. The development follows the arrest of a 15-year-old boy in Moree on 27 March, who was charged after police allegedly found extremist material during a search of his home.

In an update issued on Friday, the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team said two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, have now been charged following further inquiries and forensic analysis of items seized in the initial raid. This brings the total to three boys charged in the investigation.

Investigators returned to Moree on 2 April and executed search warrants at two homes, where they allegedly seized handwritten notes and literature containing extremist references.

The second 15-year-old was arrested about 10 am and charged with using a carriage service to transmit violent extremist material and knowingly collecting or making a document connected with terrorism.

The 16-year-old was arrested about 11.30 am and charged with using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material.

Both were refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Children’s Court on 3 April. The 15-year-old charged in March remains before the courts.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes officers from NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission, is continuing its investigation.

Authorities have not publicly identified the specific ideology involved, referring only to violent extremist material and extremist references. There has been no confirmation the case relates to Islamic extremism.

Recent counter-terrorism investigations in Australia have shown a growing number of young people engaging with a mix of extremist material rather than a single ideology. This hybrid radicalisation, which can include Islamist extremist propaganda, far-right content, and other violent material consumed online, is becoming more common among minors, the authorities say.

Investigators are examining whether the material allegedly accessed or produced in Moree has links to designated terrorist organisations, such as Islamic State, or reflects broader online ecosystems of extremist content.

The charge of collecting or making documents connected with terrorism is a serious preparatory offence under Commonwealth law and does not require evidence of a specific planned attack.

The arrests come as authorities remain on heightened alert following the Bondi Beach terror attack in late 2025, which has intensified the scrutiny of lone-actor violence and online radicalisation pathways.

Police have not indicated any ongoing threat to the community.

The investigation began in December 2025 after New England Police District officers received information that a teenager was allegedly accessing extremist material online. During the initial search, police seized a mobile phone, a ballistics-style vest, and several notebooks.

Anyone with information about extremist activity is urged to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.