Major Joint Counter Terrorism Team operations by the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and NSW Police are occurring in Sydney.
UPDATE: 6 August 2017
A 39-year-old man, detained in relation to allegations regarding a potential terrorist attack, has been charged with one count of Possession of Prohibited Weapon and released from police custody.
He has been bailed to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 24th.
This investigation remains ongoing.
UPDATE: 4 August 2017
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged two men in Sydney this evening with terrorism offences.
A 49-year-old Lakemba man and a 32-year-old Punchbowl man have each been charged with two counts of acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.
Both men are scheduled to appear at Parramatta Court tomorrow morning.
UPDATE: 2 August 2017
A 50 year old man was released from police custody last night (Tuesday, 1 August) without being charged with a criminal offence.
Three men remain in detention under ‘specified time’ provisions outlined in Section 23DD of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
UPDATE: 30 July 2017
The Australian Federal Police can confirm that four men arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) on Saturday are currently in custody pending ongoing enquiries.
An additional period of detention under ‘specified time’ provisions [outlined in Section 23DD of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth)] was granted by a Magistrate this evening (Sunday, 30 July 2017) in regard to this matter.
This recognises that terrorism investigations are inherently complex and that there can be legitimate reasons for extended periods of detention for suspects in such matters.
The AFP must satisfy the judicial officer before whom the application is made that this specified time is reasonable and necessary. The legislation dictates that this additional specified time of detention must not exceed seven days.
It should be noted that the presumption of innocence applies to these persons.
Investigations remain ongoing and further information will be provided at an appropriate time.
These operations are designed to disrupt and prevent plans to undertake terrorist attacks in Australia.
I have been kept closely briefed on the progress of the operations by the heads of our relevant security agencies.
However, as the operations are ongoing, it is inappropriate to provide further detail at this stage.
My number one priority, and that of my Government, is the safety and security of all Australians.
The public should be reassured that our security and intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to keep us safe.
In the meantime remain alert, follow the advice given by police and if you do see or hear something suspicious call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.