Five-Eyes security and law enforcement agencies release joint authored analysis of youth radicalisation
This is a joint media release between ASIO and the AFP
The Five-Eyes security and law enforcement agencies have released a jointly authored analysis of youth radicalisation – the first time they have collaborated on a public paper.
“Young people and violent extremism: a call for collective action” identifies common issues and trends contributing to youth radicalisation, and includes case studies from all five countries.
“The fact that the Five-Eyes have chosen youth radicalisation for our first public research collaboration indicates how concerning, escalating and pressing this challenge is,” ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said.
“Around twenty per cent of ASIO’s priority counter-terrorism cases involve young people. In every one of the terrorist attacks, disruptions and suspected terrorist incidents in Australia this year, the alleged perpetrator was a young person.”
“As a parent, the numbers are shocking. As an intelligence officer, the numbers are sobering.”
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the AFP was concerned with the increasing number of youth being investigated by the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams (JCTT).
“Since 1 January 2020, the AFP alongside its JCTT partners, has investigated and conducted operational activity against 35 individuals aged 17 years or younger, with the youngest aged 12 years old, and 57 per cent have been charged with either Commonwealth or state-based offences,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
“Within the JCTT youth caseload, we are witnessing the same extremist propaganda videos across multiple unrelated investigations, and this suggests that links exist in the online environment across platforms such as Discord, Telegram and TikTok.”
ASIO and the AFP support a whole-of-society response – including early intervention – to counter the issue.
“A priority for the AFP is to limit the accessibility of violent extremist material and promote education and awareness for those in protective roles, including parents, educators and health care providers, to maximise prevention and early intervention options,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
Mr Burgess added, “Parents, teachers, health professionals and frontline workers need to understand and identify the early signs of radicalisation. Once ASIO and the AFP get involved, it is usually too late – the young person is already in a dark and dangerous place.”
Anyone with concerns about potential terrorist activity can contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000.
The Five-Eyes analysis in “Young people and violent extremism: a call for collective action” informs the Australian Government’s upcoming counter-terrorism and violent extremism strategy. paragraph.