The newly established Counter Terrorism Online Centre will be led by Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Burke said the AFP had laid 31 charges under new offences related to online extremism and radicalisation, with 19 involving minors.

“This trend of young people being rapidly radicalised online is real, and the agencies – as evidenced by the charges brought by the Australian Federal Police – have been acting on it,” Burke said.

AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that terrorists are manipulating vulnerable and susceptible individuals at “rapid speed”, in part because emerging technology has blurred the boundary between the virtual and real worlds.

“The speed and scale of radicalisation are becoming among our most significant challenges, especially when it comes to youth,” she said.

Investigators and intelligence analysts will work together to monitor high-risk online spaces, assess threats, and disrupt extremist activities, including through undercover online engagement.