Arabic version: تحذير مدارس كاثوليكية في الإقليم الشمالي من زيادة الوجود الشرطي

According to ABC News, families and carers at 18 Northern Territory Catholic schools have been told they may see more uniformed police around campuses as an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offences continues. Catholic Education NT said the presence was precautionary and for reassurance, not a response to a specific or imminent threat.

The advice followed separate court appearances by two teenagers within a week. A teenage girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced the NT Youth Justice Court on Wednesday charged with collecting or making documents likely to facilitate terrorist attacks. A teenage boy had faced court on the same charge a week earlier.

Catholic Education NT director Paul Greaves told families the organisation had assisted police and relevant authorities since the investigation began. He urged school communities not to speculate about the allegations, identities, motivations or potential outcomes. Mr Greaves said officers would not be actively patrolling schools, but could be driving around or visiting to gather evidence and speak with people as inquiries continued.

Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Rice said authorities had identified a number of schools during the Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation. A spokesperson said detectives had seized material from a Top End home that allegedly showed mixed ideological motivation, including glorification of mass-casualty attacks at schools. Bishop of the NT Charles Gauci called for calm and unity, while Jumbunna Institute director Lindon Coombes and National Justice Project chief executive George Newhouse said any added police presence should consider community trust and be reviewed.