Police to Increase Visibility at Northern Territory Catholic Schools After Terror‑Related Charges

Catholic Education NT sent an email to families of students at 18 Catholic schools across the Northern Territory alerting them that they may notice an increased uniformed police presence around the campuses. The notice, seen by ABC News, said the additional officers are a precautionary measure and not a response to a specific or imminent threat.

The communication follows the recent appearance of two teenagers in the NT Youth Justice Court on charges of collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist attacks. A teenage girl faced the court on Wednesday, and a teenage boy had been charged with the same offence a week earlier. Both individuals are unnamed for legal reasons.

Paul Greaves, director of Catholic Education NT, urged the school community not to speculate about the allegations, identities, motivations or potential outcomes. He emphasized that appropriate safeguarding measures are already in place and that police will continue to work closely with the education authority, providing further advice as needed.

Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Rice disclosed that the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation has identified a number of schools as part of its inquiry. A JCTT spokesperson confirmed that detectives seized material from a Top End residence that allegedly showed a mixed ideological motivation, including references to mass‑casualty attacks at schools.

Church leaders have called for calm and unity, stating that there is no evidence of an immediate danger to students or staff. The increased police visibility is described as a precaution while the investigation proceeds, and families have been asked to remain vigilant without alarm.