Australians Express Growing Concern Over Islamic Extremism
A new poll reveals that 79 per cent of Australians are concerned about radical Islamic extremism in the country.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Terrorism
Live Poll
Do you trust the federal government is adequately managing the threat of radicalization in Australia?
Recent polling from News24.com.au and YouGov indicates that 79 per cent of Australians are concerned about radical Islamic extremism, with 62 per cent viewing it as a growing threat to national security. The findings emerge as authorities investigate potential Australian ties to an alleged aircraft hijacking plot.
Why it matters
The survey reflects heightened public anxiety following the 14 December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and reports regarding the alleged radicalisation of pilot Hamam al-Hammami. These sentiments coincide with an elevated national terror threat level currently set at probable.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is actively investigating potential Australian links to Hamam al-Hammami, who is alleged to have radicalised in Melbourne in 2017. ASIO currently assesses there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of a terror attack.
The players
Hamam al-Hammami
He is a pilot alleged by UAE prosecutors to have attempted to hijack an aircraft to target an Israeli airport.
ASIO
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation serves as the nation's primary security agency responsible for monitoring and reporting on terror threats.
Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team
This multi-agency task force is responsible for investigating potential Australian links to terrorist activity in the state of Victoria.
Samir Mohtadi
He is a figure who has publicly rejected claims of any association with the alleged hijack suspect Hamam al-Hammami.
The details
UAE prosecutors claim al-Hammami attempted to hijack an aircraft and crash it into an Israeli airport, a case that has sparked significant focus on domestic security. Organisations including MyCentre and individuals like Samir Mohtadi have officially rejected claims of association with the suspect.
Timeline
2017: Hamam al-Hammami was allegedly radicalised in Melbourne.
14 December 2025: A terrorist attack occurred at Bondi Beach.
13-20 October 2026: The News24.com.au / YouGov poll was conducted.
Next 12 months: ASIO assesses the risk of an onshore terrorist attack.
Legal Context
The public discourse regarding radicalisation has intensified significantly following the 14 December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. The current focus on security reflects a broader trend of heightened concern over national social cohesion in the wake of such violence.
Residents should be aware that with the national terror threat level at probable, security presence may remain elevated in public spaces and transit hubs. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team continues to investigate, and citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant of local advisories.
The takeaway
Security experts and voters alike remain highly sensitive to domestic radicalisation as the national threat level remains elevated. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official government communications to ensure their ongoing awareness of security updates.
Further reading
Learn more about domestic security and ongoing investigations at the Australia Terrorism page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News24.
Live Poll
Do you trust the federal government is adequately managing the threat of radicalization in Australia?
