Australia commits $106 million to combat violent extremism strategy
The National Support and Intervention Program is focused on assisting individuals in disengaging from radical ideologies.
The Albanese Labor government has allocated $106.2 million over four years to address violent extremism in local communities.
This funding will aid the implementation of the new Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy, which aims to coordinate efforts across society to prevent politically motivated violence.
“Prevention is our best defense,” stated the government, noting that the strategy has received endorsement from all states and territories.
At the core is the National Support and Intervention Program, working with state and territory governments to guide individuals away from radical ideologies and reintegrate them into society.
The Step Together program, modeled after a successful initiative in New South Wales, will be expanded nationally. Through this program, individuals can access real-time, confidential online and phone support to address potential radicalization.
Empowering Communities to Prevent Violence
The strategy gives high priority to grassroots engagement, funding youth advisory groups to ensure that young voices shape counter-terrorism policies.
It also promotes collaboration between law enforcement, health services, education providers, and community organizations.
Related Stories
The fact sheet accompanying provides guidance for Australians on recognizing signs of radicalization, discussing violent extremism with children, and responding to armed attacks with the advice to “Escape. Hide. Tell.”
“State and federal governments can and must collaborate with every community to ensure that vulnerable individuals are identified and diverted from violence,” stated Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
Recent incidents, including synagogue attacks and public Nazi salutes, have raised concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Addressing the Growing Youth Radicalization Crisis
The strategy is rolled out amidst a rise in cases of youth radicalization, with alarming trends in violent extremism.
In 2024, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its Joint Counter-Terrorism Teams brought charges against 17 individuals in 12 operations.
About 71% of those charged were under 18, involved in cases concerning terrorist acts, advocacy for terrorism, and dissemination of extremist materials.
Between 2020 and 2024, the AFP looked into 37 individuals aged 17 or younger, with the youngest being just 12 years old. More than half of these cases centered on the sharing of violent extremist content on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and TikTok.
“We are aware that young people are getting radicalized into violent extremism at a faster rate and at a younger age. This strategy invests in services to support young people and their families,” explained Minister for Youth Anne Aly.
