Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned an alleged terror plot against Peter Dutton, following news that a 16-year-old Brisbane private school student has been charged over a plan to harm the Opposition leader.
Police arrested the teenager in August and alleged he had planned to attack Dutton’s Brisbane home with a drone and homemade explosives, according to a report by The Australian newspaper.
The teenager has been charged with committing acts done in preparation for or planning a terrorist act, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
“I myself have been the subject of a range of issues, at least one of which is before legal processes,” Albanese told reporters on Friday, while reiterating his confidence in the Australian Federal Police to “do what they can” to keep politicians safe.
What do we know?
It’s alleged the 16-year-old researched “bomb-making instructions, purchased explosives ingredients, tested thermal chemical reactions, and tested homemade explosives”, according to the charges.
The attack was allegedly planned over two months, from May to July of last year.
The teenager faced a hearing in Brisbane’s Children’s Court on Thursday and declined to enter a plea or seek bail.
Dutton unaware of arrest
The Australian is reporting that Dutton was not aware of the alleged plot at the time of the arrest last year.
The newspaper understands he has since been made aware he was the target of the alleged plot.
It said that a spokesperson for Dutton declined to comment on Thursday.
What happens next?
The teenager’s case will now be heard in the Supreme Court of Queensland, where he will stand trial at a later date.
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