Australia allocates AU$74 million to counter online extremism via new ASIO-AFP hub
Synopsis
Australia is committing AU$74 million to a new ASIO-AFP-led Counter Terrorism Online Centre — and the numbers driving that decision are alarming: 31 charges already filed under new extremism laws, with 19 of those accused being minors. The median investigation age has reportedly dropped to 15, with some cases involving children as young as 12.
Key Takeaways
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced AU$74 million (approx.
US$48.8 million ) for a new counter-terrorism hub on 6 May 2025 .
The Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be jointly led by ASIO and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) .
The AFP has already filed 31 charges under new online extremism offences — 19 of those charged are minors .
The median age of those under investigation has reportedly dropped to 15 , with some cases involving children as young as 12 .
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett warned that emerging technology is blurring the boundary between virtual and real worlds, accelerating radicalisation at "rapid speed."
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday, 6 May announced an allocation of AU$74 million (approximately US$48.8 million) to establish a dedicated security centre aimed at combating online violent extremism and terrorism. The announcement was made at a press conference in Canberra, marking one of Australia's most significant counter-terrorism funding commitments in recent years.
The New Counter Terrorism Online Centre
The newly established Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be jointly led by Australia's domestic security agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Investigators and intelligence analysts will work in tandem to monitor high-risk online spaces, assess emerging threats, and disrupt extremist activities — including through undercover online engagement, according to reports citing Xinhua news agency.
The centre's mandate covers the full spectrum of online radicalisation pathways, including mainstream social media platforms, alt-tech sites, encrypted messaging applications, and video game environments that extremists are increasingly exploiting to spread propaganda and recruit vulnerable individuals.
Youth Radicalisation: A Growing Crisis
Minister Burke revealed that the AFP had already laid 31 charges under new offences targeting online extremism and radicalisation — and that 19 of those charged are minors. The figures underscore the scale of the youth radicalisation problem that the new centre is designed to address.
Point of View
Parental digital literacy, and school-based counter-extremism education — none of which a security centre alone can address.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Counter Terrorism Online Centre announced by Australia?
The Counter Terrorism Online Centre is a new Australian security body jointly led by ASIO and the AFP, funded with AU$74 million, tasked with monitoring high-risk online spaces, assessing threats, and disrupting extremist activities including through undercover online engagement.
Why is Australia investing in online counter-terrorism now?
Australian authorities have already filed 31 charges under new online extremism offences, with 19 of those charged being minors. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett cited the accelerating speed and scale of radicalisation — particularly among youth — as one of the country's most significant security challenges.
Who will run the new Counter Terrorism Online Centre?
The centre will be jointly led by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), combining intelligence analysis with law enforcement capabilities.
How are extremists radicalising young people online?
According to Australian officials, extremists are using mainstream social media, encrypted messaging apps, alt-tech platforms, and video game environments to spread propaganda and recruit vulnerable individuals, with the median investigation age reportedly dropping to 15 and some cases involving children as young as 12.
How much funding has Australia committed to the new security centre?
Australia has committed AU$74 million, approximately US$48.8 million, to establish and operate the Counter Terrorism Online Centre, announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on 6 May 2025.
