Australia lists online white supremacist network Terrorgram as terrorist organisation

Members of an online white supremacist network, which has successfully orchestrated terror attacks across the world, are now facing up to 25 years in jail in Australia.

Terrorgram is described as a "nationalist and racist violent extremist organisation" which primarily operates on Telegram, sharing material and instructions about attacks that target minority groups, critical infrastructure and certain individuals.

The group has successfully inspired terrorist attacks in the US, Europe and Asia.

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Today, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced Terrorgram has been officially listed as a terrorist organisation under the law following consultations with national security and intelligence agencies.

"This listing will give Australian police and security and intelligence agencies significantly more power to keep Australians safe and restrict the operation of extremists in our country," he said in a statement.

"This group fosters and promotes an ideology that would seek to make some Australians feel unwelcome in their home, it is this extremist hatred which is not welcome and has no place in Australia."

Terrorgram members, their associates, and anyone who recruits, trains, helps move funds or provides support to the group now face up to 25 years imprisonment.

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The listing follows financing sanctions imposed by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in February, which made it punishable by up to 10 years in prison to use or deal with assets, or make assets available to Terrorgram.

The UK and the US have taken similar domestic measures against Terrorgram.

Burke said online radicalisation has become a "growing threat", but the government is working to keep the country safe.

Australia is working closely with international partners to fight terrorism and violent extremism around the world.

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