In a decisive move to combat domestic extremism, Australia has formally designated the white supremacist online network Terrorgram as a terrorist organisation.
The announcement, made by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Thursday, grants law enforcement agencies expanded powers to prosecute individuals involved with the group—offenders now face up to 25 years in prison.
Terrorgram operates predominantly on the messaging platform Telegram, where it disseminates violent racist and nationalist propaganda, including guides and incitement to commit terror attacks. The group has been linked to actual attacks in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
“This is a group that spreads hate and violence under the cover of anonymity,” Burke stated. “It promotes an extremist ideology that has no place in a multicultural, democratic country like Australia.”
The designation follows earlier financial sanctions imposed in February by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, which made it a criminal offence—punishable by up to 10 years in prison—to engage in financial transactions with the group.
Effective immediately, anyone who recruits, trains, funds, or provides material support to Terrorgram is in breach of federal counterterrorism law. The listing aligns Australia with similar actions taken by the United Kingdom and the United States, reflecting growing global concern about far-right online radicalisation.
Terrorgram’s tactics include glorifying previous attacks, sharing bomb-making manuals, and targeting minority communities. Australian security agencies describe the network as a serious and escalating threat, particularly due to its ability to radicalise individuals online without direct physical contact.
Minister Burke stressed that the federal government is committed to confronting violent extremism in all its forms. “Online radicalisation is not a theoretical concern—it’s a very real danger that we must respond to,” he said.
The move comes amid broader efforts by the Albanese government to modernise Australia’s counterterrorism strategy and strengthen cooperation with international partners in addressing transnational threats.
Australia’s action sends a clear message: extremist ideologies that threaten social cohesion and public safety will not be tolerated.
