Dutton target of teen’s alleged drone terror plot

The opposition leader was allegedly the target of an elite private school student’s plan to use a drone in an attack on his Queensland property.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton was targeted in a plot which would have used a drone and “homemade explosives,” police have alleged.

The Australian has reported that a Brisbane private school student was arrested after a joint counter-terrorism investigation by federal and Queensland police.

The newspaper stated it had been told the 16-year-old allegedly planned to attack the Liberal leader on his property north of Brisbane.

The teenager, who attended one of Brisbane’s most elite schools, cannot be named.

They were charged with a commonwealth offence of committing acts done “in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act”.

The charge alleges the teenager researched “bomb-making instructions, purchased explosives ingredients, tested thermal chemical reactions, tested homemade explosives” contrary to section 101.6 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

It is alleged planning for an attack took place from May 21 to July 15 last year.

Peter Dutton was the alleged subject of a terror plot. Picture: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

On Thursday, a brief hearing at Brisbane Childrens’ Court, the charged was committed to stand trial in Queensland’s Supreme Court.

The teenager who appeared via video link, said they “did not wish to enter any plea”.

Both parents attended the hearing. No bail application was made.

A drone (stock image) was allegedly involved in the plan. Picture Getty

Magistrate Megan Power refused to allow the child to be named. The children’s court was generally a closed jurisdiction,” she said. But in addition, she said the accused would be “particularly vulnerable” if identifying information was made public.

However, media were allowed to cover Thursday’s court appearance.

Mr Dutton is aware of the proceedings.

Last year, Mr Dutton said he had been the subject of death threats due to his role.

“You get death threats against children (and) your wife. But I’ve got great confidence in the AFP to be able to provide that protection,” he told Ben Fordham on radio station 2GB.

“In the end, you’re in public life. There’s a price to pay for that. But we live in the greatest country in the world, and we should do whatever we can to make sure that’s always the case.”

Mr Dutton said he had full-time security to lessen any threats.