A 13-year-old boy has been charged by police over an alleged plot to carry out an act of violence at a Queensland school, following a shocking discovery by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Details of the Incident
Officers first encountered the boy on May 20 when he allegedly threatened occupants at a business on Saltwater Creek Road in Maryborough, about 250km north of Brisbane. He was reportedly armed with a large knife and wearing a disguise. He was initially dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for charges including attempting to enter premises with intent, going armed to cause fear, making threats, and possessing an item intended for use in connection with an offence.
Following further investigations, detectives from the Counter Terrorism Investigation Group and Maryborough Child Protection Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a Maryborough address on May 30. An electronic device was seized during the operation.
Charges Laid
The boy has now been charged with one count each of preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm and possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service. He appeared briefly in court on Monday and will face Hervey Bay Children’s Court on June 5.
Detective Inspector Jason Hindmarsh stated that evidence indicates the boy was allegedly planning for death and grievous bodily harm, with the intention to cause harm at a local school. While it is too early to determine if the plot was ideologically motivated, Hindmarsh noted that the boy was allegedly quite advanced in his intentions.
Police Response and Community Safety
“He did intend to cause harm at a local school,” Mr Hindmarsh said. “The actions of the youth on that day did involve a threat to a local school. There were threats made to employees of the business, and we now have evidence that details the threat to the local school.” He emphasized that a range of security measures are in place and that there is no ongoing threat to the community, as the boy has been taken into custody.
“But yeah, he was quite well advanced in his intention to cause death and GBH,” Hindmarsh added. He urged family members and peers to supervise online environments, particularly for vulnerable youth, and noted that diversion programs are available for those entering areas of radicalisation.
Police will return to Maryborough on Tuesday to conduct further inquiries with frontline officers and child protection services.
