A 20-year-old man from Bindoon has appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on 27 February 2026 charged by the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (WA JCTT) over an alleged plan for a terrorist act.
WA Police say the man was arrested following a search of his home yesterday (26 February) by the State Security Investigation Group as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitic, Islamophobic, and racially motivated online hate speech. Investigators seized documents now under assessment by the WA JCTT, which includes WA Police, the AFP, and ASIO.
Prime Minister Albanese described the arrest as “deeply shocking” and thanked WA police for their swift action.
He emphasised the seriousness of allegations targeting the Muslim community and stressed that racially or religiously motivated hate has no place in Australia.
“Australians have a right to safety. There is no place in our country for any kind of racially or religiously-motivated prejudice or hate.”
WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed the man was allegedly motivated by a white supremacist ideology and planned attacks on public buildings and places of worship.
He assured the community there is no ongoing threat and praised police for their intelligence-led response, reiterating the government’s commitment to safe and inclusive communities.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police had been monitoring Mr Michaels since January.
“We have now seized firearms, imitation firearms, a ballistic vest, gas masks, lock picking equipment,” he said.
“Most concerningly, there was a notebook that outlined preparations for a terrorist attack at significant locations including the WA police headquarters building, Parliament House, and places of Muslim faith in WA.”
Authorities allege the man had prepared a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically motivated attack with mass casualties.
The document reportedly detailed intentions to target mosques across Western Australia, as well as WA Police Headquarters and Parliament House.
He has been charged with:
• Act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act (maximum life imprisonment)
• Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence (maximum three years’ imprisonment)
• Carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon (maximum two years’ imprisonment)
• Failing to store firearms or related items securely (maximum $5,000 fine)
• Possessing or acquiring ammunition without authorisation (maximum three years’ imprisonment)
Police also seized a butterfly knife, unauthorised firearm ammunition, and more than 1,000 rounds of unsecured ammunition. The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Perth Magistrates Court again on 23 March 2026.
Investigations by the WA JCTT are ongoing.
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