Counter terrorism police probing alleged hijacking at Avalon Airport

The federal police terrorism squad is investigating a teenager accused of trying to hijack a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport, with a judge suppressing details of the case “in the interests of Australia’s national security”.

Counter terrorism police have been granted a court order prohibiting the identification of any “foreigner or foreign entities” linked to a teenager accused of attempting to hijack a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport.

A children’s court magistrate on Friday granted the suppression order which also bans publication of “any such communication or attempted/intended communication” and the content of documents allegedly found in the accused gunman’s vehicle.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, allegedly attempted to hijack a Jetstar flight with a loaded gun on March 6 before he was restrained by passengers and staff.

On Friday, it was revealed he is facing four new commonwealth charges including prejudice the safe operation of an aircraft, prejudice the safe operation of an aircraft with intent to kill, attempted hijacking and assaulting an airline crew member.

Lawyers for the Australian Federal Police applied for the suppression order, citing national security concerns.

“If there are other offences, and other avenues to explore, disclosing any lines of inquiries may tip off or dry up those lines of inquiries,” a lawyer for the AFP told the court.

“It’s not about information that’s sought to be brought against (the accused).

“It’s really about other inquiries being allowed to occur without impediment.”

The 17-year-old was restrained by passenger Barry Clark and crew members. Picture: 9 News.

The court heard a joint counter terrorism task force between the AFP and Victoria Police had been set-up to investigate the alleged attempted hijacking.

Affidavits, which were not read out in court, from a senior counter terrorism officer were submitted in support of the application.

The order was opposed by lawyers acting for the Herald Sun and other media organisations.

But a magistrate granted the non-publication order saying it was in the interests of Australia’s national security and to prevent the “substantial risk of prejudice to the proper administration of justice”.

“The evidence before the court in my view justifies the making of the orders sought,” he said.

The order will remain in effect for 12 weeks while the investigation continues.

The boy was allegedly dressed in high-vis and carrying a loaded gun when he entered Avalon Airport through a hole in a security fence.

He allegedly walked up the stairs to the plane before he was tackled and restrained by passengers and staff.

Charge sheets allege he claimed “I’ve got bombs in my bag”.

Police charged him with a dozen offences including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering the safe operation of an aircraft, bomb hoax and possession of a firearm.

The boy, who was not present for Friday’s hearing and has been on remand since his arrest, will return to court next month.