A joint Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police operation has resulted in a 17-

year-old being charged with terrorism offences.

As part of the Melbourne Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) Operation Amberd, a

search was conducted at a residence in the northern suburbs.

During the search of the Northern suburbs premises, three items were located.

These were subsequently transported to a nearby park where they were rendered

safe by police during a controlled detonation.

Late yesterday, (Friday 8 May) a 17-year-old from Melbourne’s Northern suburbs

was charged with engaging in an act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act

contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code(Cth) and possess things connected

with a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.4 of the Criminal Code (Cth).

It will be alleged the teenager was undertaking preparations for planning a terrorist

act in Australia.

Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said the operation has

contained an imminent threat to our community safety.

“What yesterday’s operation demonstrates is that we are ready. Our actions were

methodical, measured and precise,” he said.

“Our counter terrorism capabilities are well tested and we will continue to work with

our partner law enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt terrorism.

“I want to remind members of the public that operations and arrests such as these

are about ensuring community safety.”

AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security, Mike Phelan said yesterday’s arrest is

a sobering reminder to all parents of the importance of being more engaged with their

children.

“It is deeply troubling to police that young people in our communities are becoming

so disaffected and alienated that they would consider engaging in acts such as this,”

Deputy Commissioner Phelan said.

Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said it is critical that all

Victorians are accepting of cultural diversity.

“Victoria Police do not tolerate racially motivated attacks. We ask anyone that is the

subject to racism or is victimised on the basis of religion, culture or ethnicity, to inform

Victoria Police immediately,” he said.

“The rights of all people, particularly the rights of young people in our community are

a paramount concern for Victoria Police.