Deradicalisation programs have mixed impact, report says

A landmark report into the impact of deradicalisation programs — designed to deter people from terror and violent extremism — has revealed shocking results.

EXCLUSIVE

Deradicalisation programs have failed to change the behaviour of high risk individuals authorities fear could commit acts of terror in Australia or produce data on whether the initiative actually works.

A landmark evaluation, obtained by this masthead under freedom of information laws, found the behaviour of some individuals actually worsened in the program, triggering the involvement of law enforcement agencies.

The Australian Institute of Criminology [AIC] report identified problematic behaviour as criminal offending, viewing and producing extremist material and talking positively about acts of violent extremism.

“There are positive signs of attitudinal change among young people with extremist views, but mixed evidence in relation to changes in behaviour and how these attitudes had manifested,” said the report.

The report said some individuals continued to exhibit problematic behaviour, such as watching extremist content online.

“For example, Case Managers have reported the need for ongoing conversations with some clients about accessing extremist online content,” said the report.

“Further, there have been a small number of cases where the risk associated with clients had escalated and required the involvement of law enforcement.”

The revelations come amid rising reports of antisemitism and after a spate of attacks by individuals in deradicalisation programs last year.

This includes the alleged Christchurch massacre-inspired stabbing of a University of Sydney student and a teenager shot dead after knifing a Bunnings worker in Perth.

CCTV footage of a 14-year-old who allegedly stabbed a University of Sydney student.Picture: Supplied

The scene after police shot dead a teenager who stabbed a member of the public. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE/Philip Gostelow

The AIC report is the only assessment of whether the Living Safe Together Intervention Program [LSTIP] actually works within the department of Home Affairs.

The report said that “robust assessment data” on the success or failings of the program was not available while the relative infancy of the program meant it was not possible to assess the long-term impact on individuals.

“While these data are anecdotal, they do provide some preliminary evidence as to the changes that have occurred in the lives of (primarily young) people who have engaged in the intervention program,” said the report.

After the report was delivered in 2018, the commonwealth increased funding for the LSTIP by $61.7 million over four years. Its success has not been evaluated since.

Shadow home affairs Minister James Paterson said the threat of a terror attack in Australia remained and said the government needed tools that could protect the community.

“If Home Affairs is not confident deradicalisation programs are working, then the government must apply for post-sentence restrictions on released terrorist offenders,” he said.

“Continuing detention orders are appropriate for the highest risk offenders, and extended supervision orders should be a priority for everyone else released into the community who still poses a risk.”

Senator James Paterson holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The LSTIP approach focuses on intervention through positive community integration and participation by building high risk individuals “social and emotional resilience” to radical ideologies and exposing them to positive influences.

The AIC report found that in some cases the program had positively changed the behaviour of high risk individuals and had achieved modest improvements for participants in areas including mental health, community and social engagement and employment and education.

Some high risk individuals, particularly those radicalised by Islamic ideologies, changed their attitudes towards the use of violence and learnt to accept different lifestyles and views as part of living in a diverse society.

“A small number of clients reported a shift from wanting to die for their beliefs to now believing they did have something to live for,” said the report.

State and territory program co-ordinators also connect cases to mental health, education and employment, community and accommodation support.

A Home Affairs spokesperson said the most effective way to protect Australians was through early intervention and the LSTIP provided support, referral and diversion services to individuals who were at risk or had been radicalised to violent extremism.

“The Australian Government works closely with states and territories and community partners to regularly review and adapt our counter-terrorism settings and measures to ensure they are fit for purpose to meet the evolving threat landscape,” said the spokesperson.

Originally published as Deradicalisation programs have mixed impact, report says