Australia-Pacific

Australian private schoolboy faces court over alleged plot to attack LNP

A 17-year-old Brisbane private-school student appeared in court on Monday charged with allegedly plotting an attack on Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) offices. Police said his electronic devices contained planning notes, a target list and attempts to acquire explosive materials. The case adds a new dimension to Australia's growing concerns over youth radicalisation.

Brisbane court building exterior under overcast grey morning light
Brisbane court building exterior under overcast grey morning lightPhoto: Sonny Sixteen / Pexels
ABC News Australia1 h ago

At an initial hearing in Brisbane Children's Court on Monday, prosecutors said the 17-year-old private-school student had planned a coordinated attack on Queensland LNP offices and the homes of several local officials. Police told the court his laptop contained a target map, instructions for chemical synthesis and shopping notes for acquiring explosive precursors.

The court refused bail and ordered a psychiatric evaluation. The Australian Federal Police is examining whether the boy acted alone and is reviewing social-media records for further contacts. An LNP spokesperson said "political violence has no place in Australia".

Radicalisation among Australian youth has risen 45% since 2024; ASIO has said it disrupted six potential attack plots in the past six months, four of them by minors. The case will return to court on 14 July.

RegulationGeopoliticsAustralia-PacificABC News Australia
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by ABC News Australia. The illustration is a stock photo by Sonny Sixteen from Pexels and is not from the original story.

Read next