Violent racist organisation Terrorgram, which has now been formally listed as a terror organisation, has been linked to an alleged plot to kill NSW Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp.
It is the first time the terror group has been linked to a plot in Australia.
Jordan Patten, 20, was charged last year with a terror offence after police arrested him in Newcastle dressed in a commando suit one block away from Mr Crakanthorp’s office.
Police allege he had begun plotting to kill the MP that morning and was arrested just hours later carrying a hammer and knives.
Police allege Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp was the subject of a terror plot now formally linked to Terrorgram. (ABC Newcastle: Jesmine Cheong)
According to the Home Affairs Department, the alleged attacker said Terrorgram, which operates through encrypted platforms like Telegram, had played a critical role in his radicalisation.
After the attack failed, the 19-year-old allegedly uploaded a 205-page manifesto that cited the 2019 Christchurch shooter as inspiration.
An emotional Anthony Albanese revealed at the time that the accused’s manifesto allegedly included direct threats on his family.
Alleged threat to PM’s family by terror plot accused
The department said following the failed attack, Terrorgram members also posted advice and instructions for how prospective future attackers could avoid the same failures and succeed in carrying out “lone-actor” terrorist attacks.
“The users explicitly advocated for individuals to carry out more successful attacks through the provision of this advice,” the department said.
The group has been linked to terror activity in the United States, Europe and Asia but has not previously been officially linked to a terror plot in Australia.
The federal government moved to impose financial sanctions on Terrorgram in February, making it illegal to financially support or benefit from the group.
Friday’s terror listing makes it an offence for anyone to be a member of Terrorgram, associate with its members, recruit for the group or train with or fund the organisation.
The offences are punishable with a maximum penalty of 25 years’ prison.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has listed Terrorgram as a terror organisation. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC Radio National the listing would not be the final step, acknowledging the constant effort to stamp out terror groups online.
“You never stop chasing these characters down, you never stop,” he said.
“This listing won’t be the last thing we have to do against far-right white supremacist groups, there will be more.”