Facing charges of Terrorism in Qld?

When your job, reputation, and future are at risk, urgent advice from our leading Brisbane terrorism lawyers is critical.

Early steps affect the outcome.

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Choosing the best Terrorism lawyer in Australia

A charge of terrorism under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) is a serious offence and carries some of the harshest penalties under Australian law, including life imprisonment.

These offences cover a broad range of conduct including preparation, possession of materials, involvement in terrorist organisations, and financial support for terrorist activity.

If you are facing one of these charges, it is crucial to seek urgent legal advice from an experienced terrorism lawyer. Contact us today to speak to our best criminal lawyers.

If you are charged or being investigated, seeking early advice will make a difference to the outcome.

Call us, or fill in our Quick Enquiry form to receive a link to our free guide, 16 Things You Need to Do Now if Charged with a Criminal Offence. 

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What are the Terrorism offences in Australia?

 Under Divisions 101, 102 and 103 of the Criminal Code (Cth), terrorism offences include the following categories:

  • Engaging in a terrorist act (s 101.1) – Carrying out an act intended to advance a political, religious or ideological cause by coercing a government or intimidating the public. This is one of the most serious charges and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

  • Providing or receiving training connected to terrorist acts (s 101.2) – Applies where a person gives or receives training that is connected to the preparation, execution or support of a terrorist act. A person may be guilty if they knew about the connection or were reckless about it.

  • Possessing things connected with terrorist acts (s 101.4) – Covers possession of materials, devices or tools that may be used in the planning or execution of a terrorist act. The offence applies even if no act has occurred.

  • Collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts (s 101.5) – Includes creating or obtaining documents (e.g. instructions, manuals or maps) that may assist in carrying out terrorism. Applies even if a specific act is not planned.

  • Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts (s 101.6) – Covers any preparatory act, regardless of whether a specific terrorist act is carried out or not.

  • Directing the activities of a terrorist organisation (s 102.2) – Applies where a person gives orders or instructions to a group that is designated or known to be a terrorist organisation.

  • Membership of a terrorist organisation (s 102.3) – Being a member of such a group is a standalone offence, regardless of whether the person was involved in criminal acts.

  • Recruiting for a terrorist organisation (s 102.4) – Encouraging others to join or take part in activities of a terrorist organisation.

  • Training with or for a terrorist organisation (s 102.5) – Includes providing or receiving training or participating in training activities, with knowledge or recklessness as to the organisation’s nature.

  • Funding a terrorist organisation (s 102.6) – Includes making or receiving payments from such organisations, or collecting funds on their behalf, even indirectly.

  • Providing support to a terrorist organisation (s 102.7) – Covers providing resources or assistance that may help the organisation engage in terrorism.

  • Associating with members of terrorist organisations (s 102.8) – Applies where a person repeatedly associates with known members and provides support or encouragement for the organisation to continue.

  • Financing terrorism (s 103.1) – A person may be charged if they collect or provide funds and are reckless as to whether they may be used to facilitate terrorism. Applies even if the act never occurs.

  • Financing a terrorist (s 103.2) – Making funds available to an individual who may use them to carry out a terrorist act. The law does not require that the act actually occurs.

FAQ - Keypoints Terrorism Charges in Qld

  • Terrorism investigations are mainly carried out by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

    • AFP – responsible for investigating criminal offences, collecting evidence, and prosecuting individuals in court.

    • ASIO – Australia’s national security intelligence agency, focused on preventing terrorism and politically motivated violence through intelligence gathering and threat detection.

    These agencies often work together and may also coordinate with state and territory police.

  • Terrorism offences are some of the most serious crimes under Australian law and can attract sentences of up to life imprisonment. Maximum penalties include:

    • Engaging in a terrorist act – life imprisonment

    • Financing terrorism or a terrorist – life imprisonment

    • Directing a terrorist organisation – up to 25 years

    • Training with a terrorist organisation – up to 25 years

    • Providing support or resources – up to 25 years

    • Membership of a terrorist organisation – up to 10 years

    • Possessing materials or documents – up to 15 years

    The actual sentence depends on the specific offence, the person’s role, intent, prior history, and whether harm was caused.

  • Courts may treat the offence as more serious if:

    • It occurred in a public place

    • Weapons or explosives were used

    • Others, including minors, were recruited

    • The act had international connections

    • The accused held a leadership or influential role

  • Each case depends on the evidence and circumstances. Possible defences include:

    • Self-defence

    • Duress (acting under threat of death or serious harm)

    • Mental impairment

    • Lack of intent or recklessness

    • Mistake of fact

  • Terrorism offences are highly complex and carry extremely heavy penalties.

    You should seek immediate legal advice from a criminal defence lawyer who has experience in serious Commonwealth criminal charges.

    Early advice can affect the outcome.

  • Rape complaints can often be made months or even years after the alleged incident. There is no time limit on when police can bring these charges.

    Strategies to defend rape charges include:

    • Demonstrating the prosecution cannot prove sexual intercourse occurred

    • Demonstrating the prosecution cannot prove lack of consent

    • Challenging credibility or reliability of complainant evidence

    • Highlighting delays, inconsistencies, or loss of evidence in historical allegations

    • Negotiating with the prosecution to reduce or discontinue charges

    Our Brisbane rape lawyers have secured acquittals in jury trials and have successfully negotiated charge reductions and discontinuances in a range of rape and sexual assault cases.

Facing serious charges in Qld?

If you or someone you know needs urgent legal advice, contact us now.

Call us on (07) 3012 6531 or fill in our Quick Enquiry form for a confidential discussion with our Brisbane criminal lawyers. 

Call (07) 3012 6531