Far-right under scrutiny in NSW

NSW counter-terrorism police have charged more than 35 people over the past 12 months amid concerns of a rise in extremist views.

Police yesterday arrested and charged one of Australia’s most prominent far-right extremists, Nathan Sykes, for making repeated violent threats to a Melbourne lawyer and journalist.

NSW Counter-Terrorism Unit Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said police had increased surveillance of right wing extremists following Australian man Brenton Tarrant’s massacre of 50 innocent people in New Zealand.

“When there is an incident such as what has occurred in New Zealand we adjust our focus accordingly but at the same time remain committed to monitoring other groups,” he said.

“We are constantly monitoring groups and individuals ID as extremists from all areas.

“The CT unit is the only one where there is a 24-hour intelligence unit working seven days a week 365 days a year.”

In the last year, NSW police specialising in targeting extremists have seized gunpowder and high-powered weapons from a suburban Sydney home and more than 100kg of ammunition in 107 separate investigations.

In New Zealand the minister responsible for intelligence services said white supremacist movements were growing across the world.

New Zealand’s Intelligence Service has been liaising closely with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.