As the Federal Government announces a new inquiry on extremism in Australia, we ask: does Australia have a far-right problem?

In 2016, far-right extremism made up around 10% of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO’s) counter-terrorism caseload. Now, far-right extremism constitutes 40% of the domestic spy agency’s counter-terrorism caseload. Today, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton announced a new inquiry that would in part focus on far-right extremism.

Does Australia have a far-right problem? 

Here’s four things that have happened over the past few days that shed light on the growing threat of far-right extremism.

1 - The final report on the Christchurch terrorist was released

YouTube was “a significant source of information and inspiration” for the Australian white supremacist who killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch last year, according to the 792-page report published on Tuesday. It wasn’t the only source of information and inspiration. The report says the white supremacist was heavily influenced by local Australian far-right groups, too. 

2 - Labor asked for a federal inquiry into far-right extremism

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Kristina Keneally called for a federal inquiry into far-right extremism in Australia. “We need to ask: are our laws countering violent extremism and preventing radicalisation tools fit for purpose for right-wing extremism?” Senator Keneally said. 

3 - The Federal Government agreed to set up that inquiry (sort of) 

The inquiry set up by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton will look at extremist movements in Australia, with a particular focus on “Islamist and far right-wing extremist groups” - so not just far-right extremists. The inquiry scope includes a look at hate speech, social media and radicalisation.

4 - An Albury teenager was arrested on terrorism-related charges 

An 18-year-old who had been “accessing extreme right-wing material” online was arrested in Albury today. Police say the man had searched how to make a bomb, and that his online behaviour had recently “escalated”.