Australia Pledges $106 Million into Strategy to Counteract Violent Extremism

Workers assess the damage at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

The Albanese Labor government has announced $106.2 million over four years to combat violent extremism in local communities.

The funds will support the new Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy, designed to coordinate a whole-of-society effort to prevent politically motivated violence.

“Prevention is our best defence,” the government’s statement declared, adding that the strategy has been endorsed by all states and territories.

A central focus is the National Support and Intervention Program, which collaborates with state and territory governments to help steer individuals away from radical ideologies and reintegrate them into society.

The Step Together program, modelled on a successful initiative in New South Wales, will also roll out nationwide. Through this programme, concerned individuals can access real-time, confidential online and phone support to address potential radicalisation.

Empowering Communities to Prevent Violence

The strategy prioritises grassroots engagement, funding youth advisory groups to ensure young voices influence counter-terrorism policies.

It also supports collaboration between law enforcement, health services, education providers, and community organisations.

The accompanying fact sheet provides advice for Australians, such as recognising signs of radicalisation, discussing violent extremism with children, and responding to armed attacks with the guidance to “Escape. Hide. Tell.”

“State and federal governments can and must work with every community to ensure that vulnerable people are identified and turned away from violence,” said Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Recent incidents—including synagogue attacks and public Nazi salutes—have heightened concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Addressing the Growing Youth Radicalisation Crisis

The strategy comes amid a surge in cases of youth radicalisation, with troubling trends in violent extremism.

In 2024 alone, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its Joint Counter-Terrorism Teams charged 17 individuals in 12 operations.

About 71 percent of those charged were under 18, including cases involving terrorist acts, advocating terrorism, and circulating extremist materials.

Between 2020 and 2024, the AFP investigated 37 individuals aged 17 or younger, with the youngest being just 12 years old. Over half of these cases involved violent extremist content shared on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and TikTok.

“We know that young people are becoming radicalised to violent extremism faster and at a younger age. This strategy invests in services to support young people and families,” said Minister for Youth Anne Aly.