A Canberra teenager has been charged with terrorism-related offences, including alleged preparations for a terrorist act, in what authorities say is the first case of its kind in the ACT.

The 17-year-old appeared in the ACT Children’s Court on Tuesday facing charges brought by the ACT Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a multi-agency unit comprising the Australian Federal Police, ACT Policing and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Police allege the teenager was planning an attack on individuals unknown to him, driven by extremist views aligned with nationalist and racist ideology. It is further alleged he accessed and shared violent extremist material online, and was actively taking steps to prepare for a terrorist act.

He has been charged with one count of acts in preparation for, or planning a terrorist act under section 101.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and one count of transmitting violent extremist material under section 474.45B, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

Authorities say the youth was arrested on November 5, after allegedly extremist material was uncovered during the execution of a search warrant. He has remained in custody since that time.

Further investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team is ongoing, with police alleging additional evidence has been identified supporting both the dissemination of extremist content and preparations for an attack.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Peter Crozier said the case highlighted growing concerns about young Australians being exposed to violent extremist propaganda online.

“Violent extremist material is circulated by terrorist organisations to promote violence, hate and division within Australian society,” he said.

“We will relentlessly pursue those who seek harm to our democracy or our social cohesion,” he said, also stressing the importance of parents, schools, social services and technology companies in limiting youth access to extremist content.

ACT Policing Deputy Chief Police Officer Richard Chin said protecting the community and preventing radicalisation remained the highest priority.

He said early intervention was critical, noting that parents, teachers and other trusted adults often play a key role in identifying behavioural changes and guiding young people toward support services.

“Strengthening awareness and confidence in trusted and supportive networks is a key element to preventing radicalisation and protecting young people from harmful influences,” he said.

The matter remains before the courts.