Sparky stays behind bars on terror charges

A NSW electrician accused of terror-related offences will spend at least three months behind bars as police prepare a brief of evidence to support their case against him.

Haisem Zahab, 42, was arrested in the southern NSW town of Young a week ago accused of aiding Islamic State to develop "high-tech weapons capability".

Zahab was charged with two foreign incursion-related offences and failing to assist authorities access data. He faces a maximum penalty of life in jail.

Federal police, who described the 42-year-old as "technically-minded", say he researched and designed a laser device to help warn against incoming guided munitions used by coalition forces in Syria and Iraq.

It's also alleged he'd been modelling systems to assist Islamic State develop their own long-range guided missile capabilities.

Zahab did not appear when his matter was mentioned in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday when federal prosecutor Louise Thompson requested an extended 12-week period to prepare the brief due to the amount of material involved.

Magistrate Jennifer Giles adjourned the case until June 14.

Outside court, Zahab's lawyer made no comment when asked how his client was faring in prison.

Zahab is an Australian-born citizen and police believe he was passing information back to the terror group via a network of contacts in and outside of conflict zones.

Officers last week spent several days searching his country property using metal detectors.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last Tuesday said while the investigation hadn't uncovered evidence of a planned domestic attack it was "yet another reminder of the enduring threat ... from Islamist terrorism".

Following Zahab's arrest, Justice Minister Michael Keen told parliament the electrician was one of about 200 people in Australia allegedly helping fund, facilitate and fight for Islamic State.