Minister Stands by Investigation Into 13 Year Old Autistic Boy Accused of Terror Offences

AFP officers were accused of ‘enticing’ the boy and encouraging his fixation with Islamic State, but the minister says radicalisation is happening earlier.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 15, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has defended the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over allegations it “enticed” an autistic 13-year-old boy into radical extremism by encouraging his “fixation” with Islamic State.

Speaking on ABC Radio National on Feb. 20, the minister said: “I am 100 percent supportive of the AFP, [they are] incredible people that work … everyday to protect our community. What I would say is that this case does reflect what is a broader and really concerning issue, which is the increasing prevalence of young people in our caseload … in regard to violent extremism.