Possessing Things Connected With Terrorist Attacks Charges

Author: Bill Doogue

Practice area: Commonwealth offences

Bill is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1998 with over 30 years of experience in complex criminal and corporate matters. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.

View full profile →

Bill authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.

What is the offence of Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks?

Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks is a Commonwealth terrorism offence under section 101.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). It concerns possession of a “thing” that is connected with preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in a terrorist act. The offence is treated as very serious and is prosecuted as an indictable matter.

Key points

Fault element: Knowledge of the connection, or recklessness as to whether the connection exists.
Connection required: The “thing” must be connected with preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in a terrorist act.
Court jurisdiction: Heard in the Supreme Court.

The maximum penalty for Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks is 15 years’ imprisonment, or 10 years’ imprisonment where the fault element is recklessness.

Common defences may include Disputing possession; disputing knowledge of the connection; mental impairment; duress; honest and reasonable mistake of belief; impossibility; lack of intent; factual disputes; and whether the prosecution proves the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In relation to this charge it is important that you have a lawyer assist you in breaking it down. The evidence needs to show that the ‘thing’ you possessed is connected with a terrorist attack which can be complicated.

Police Interview

Police will want to interview you if they are planning on or have charged you with this offence. It is important that you discuss with a lawyer the strategic advantages or disadvantages in participating in an interview. You should always remember that you have the right to give a ‘no comment’ interview.

Pleading Not Guilty

If you decide to defend this charge, we can assist you in your defence. We have run numerous jury trials for terrorism matters. We look at all evidence with a close attention to detail and will develop a strategy for your case.

Pleading Guilty

If you decide to plead guilty it is equally important to ensure you have legal representation. Terrorism charges can carry large terms of imprisonment so it is important that a plea puts forward your best case and minimizes any term of imprisonment you serve. We will work hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Which court will the case be heard in?

Possessing things connected with terrorist attacks is a very serious offence which is heard in the Supreme Court.

What is the legal definition of Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks?

A person commits an offence if:
1. the person possesses a thing; and
2. the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
3. the person mentioned in paragraph (a) knows of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 15 years.
A person commits an offence if:
1. the person possesses a thing; and
2. the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act; and
3. the person mentioned in paragraph (a) is reckless as to the existence of the connection described in paragraph (b).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
A person commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) even if:
1. a terrorist act does not occur; or
2. the thing is not connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a specific terrorist act; or
3. the thing is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in more than one terrorist act.
Section 15.4 (extended geographical jurisdiction–category D) applies to an offence against this section.
Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the possession of the thing was not intended to facilitate preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act.

Examples of Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks

A search warrant is executed and a number of mobile phones with comprising text messages are discovered and blueprints for an iconic city structure.
A truck is pulled over. The contents of the driver’s load reveals items that could create explosives. Further inquiries reveal that the person to whom the materials are being delivered to is known to police and the truck driver.
A person is seen in a public library searching and printing documents related to making explosives.

Legislation

The legislation for this offence can be found on section 101.4 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.

Have you been charged with possessing things link to terrorism?

Elements of the offence

In essence to prove this charge the Prosecution must show that the accused possessed a thing which was connected with preparation for, or the engagement of a person in or assistance in a terrorist act. The Prosecution must show that the accused knew of the connection between the possess thing and the terrorist act.

Defences

Defences to this could be that the accused did not possess a thing or that the accused possessed a thing but did not know of its connection with a terrorist act. Defence lawyers may also use mental impairment, duress, honest and reasonable mistake of belief, impossibility, lack of intent, factual disputes, and the concept of beyond reasonable doubt.

Questions in cases like this

Were you in possession of the items?
Were the item or things connected to terrorism?
Where you aware that the item was connected to terrorism?

You should ring us and discuss your case if you have been charged. Deciding on whether to plead guilty or not has important implications for you and should be made after proper discussions with a criminal lawyer.

Maximum penalty for section 101.4 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995

A finding of guilt for Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks (s101.4 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995) may lead to a maximum sentence of imprisonment for 15 years. If you were reckless as to the existence of the connection then you could face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.

Other important resources

FAQ About Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks

What should I do if police want to interview me about this offence?

Police may seek to interview a person before or after laying a charge. A person has the right to give a “no comment” interview. Decisions about whether to answer questions can have strategic consequences, including how the evidence is later presented in court. Careful consideration of interview strategy is important in serious Commonwealth matters.

Can someone be charged even if no terrorist act takes place?

Yes. The offence can apply even where a terrorist act does not occur. It is sufficient that the item possessed is connected with preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in a terrorist act, regardless of whether an attack is ultimately carried out.

Does the item need to be linked to a specific planned terrorist act?

No. The offence can apply even if the item is not connected with a specific identified terrorist act. The connection may relate more broadly to preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in terrorist activity.

Can the same item relate to more than one potential terrorist act?

Yes. The legislation allows for the offence to apply even where the item is connected with preparation for, engagement in, or assistance in more than one terrorist act. A single item can therefore be relevant to multiple potential acts.

Can this offence apply to conduct outside Australia?

Section 15.4 of the Criminal Code, dealing with extended geographical jurisdiction (Category D), applies to this offence. This means the offence is not necessarily confined to conduct occurring within Australia and can extend in the manner provided by that jurisdictional category.

What kinds of situations can lead to a charge under section 101.4?

Examples include possessing a mobile phone containing text messages and blueprints for an iconic structure, transporting materials capable of being used to create explosives, or searching for and printing documents related to making explosives. These scenarios illustrate how possession of certain materials may be treated as connected with terrorist activity.

< Back to Terrorism Offences

< Back to Federal Offences

< Back to A -Z of Offences

Possessing Things Connected with Terrorist Attacks

Table of Contents