Laura Michell
Two Epping men have been charged with terrorism offences.
The men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) following an operation yesterday.
The 19-year-old has been charged with attempted terrorist act, intentionally causing injury, act in preparation of terrorist act and membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation (ISIS).
The 20-year-old man has been charged with one count of attempted terrorist act.
Both men are due to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
Police allege they identified potential terrorism activity following a fire in bushland about 30 minutes from Epping on February 18 and an assault in metropolitan Melbourne on March 10.
A 16-year-old Pascoe Vale boy was also arrested during the operation, which was carried out by officers from Victoria Police, the Australia Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and other agencies.
The boy was released without charge.
Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command assistant commissioner Michael Hermans said police would “continue to engage” with the boy to “hopefully divert him away” from extremist activity.
Victoria Police said it would like to reassure the community that it continues to work collaboratively with JCTT partners to ensure the safety of all Victorians.
“Victoria has well tested, co-operative, counter terrorism and emergency management plans in place and constantly monitor and assess our preparedness to respond to a range of emergencies,” police said in a statement.
Assistant Commissioner Hermans said terrorism offences attract can attract “significant penalties ranging up to and including life in prison”.
