COUNTER-TERRORISM police have arrested a NSW north east man after months of investigation into alleged "extremist" and violent messaging online.
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Wade John Homewood, 37, of Tamworth, remains behind bars and made no application for bail during a virtual appearance in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday.
Counter-terrorism police said they held the "very real fear" Homewood would inspire someone to carry out violent or terrorist acts in the community through his allegedly prolific posts.
Homewood was arrested by the the state's specialist joint counter-terrorism team at his home about 4:30pm on Tuesday and was taken to Tamworth Police Station.
Police raided a home and two blocks of land outside town earlier this week and allegedly seized electronic devices as well as handwritten and printed materials for forensic analysis.
The specialist squad - made up of Australian Federal Police, NSW Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission - launched an investigation in September, claiming Homewood's online activity featured "nationalist and racist violent extremist messaging".
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He allegedly urged violence against groups of people he identified by race, political views and occupation, and is accused of advocating for violent acts against several political leaders.
Defence solicitor Richard O'Halloran told the court the Commonwealth prosecuting authority, the CDPP, had agreed to a two-week adjournment.
CDPP solicitor Annette Haddad requested the matter be moved to Parramatta Local Court given it is a "terrorism-related matter" and that court has the necessary "security arrangements".
She said prosecutors were seeking the brief of evidence to be served by February.
Magistrate Julie Soars made the orders and told Homewood it was "to get things rolling for you".
The court heard Homewood's parents had attended court for their son's mention but requested to wait outside.
Homewood has not been required to enter pleas to charges of urging violence against groups, and advocating terrorism.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Scott Lee said the quantity of the online messages was just as concerning as their content.
Police said this investigation poses no continuing threat to the community.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
