Aussie MP says arrest of right-wing extremist in Australia the first of its kind

The arrest of a right-wing extremist in Melbourne over the weekend was an Australian first under new Commonwealth laws, the minister assisting the prime minister on counter terrorism has said Monday.

Speaking to the media, Michael Keenan said Phillip Galea, 31, was the first right-wing extremist to be arrested on terror charges after police and specialists stormed his home on Saturday.

Galea has been affiliated to anti-immigration movements such as Reclaim Australia and the True Blue Crew, two right-wing groups against Islamic immigration and the building of mosques in Australia.

Keenan, also Australia's justice minister, said regardless of race, gender or political views, those who pose a risk to fellow Australians will be weeded out by police and counter-terrorism experts.

"We will take action against anybody with violent, extremist views who pose a threat to the security of Australians. We police the laws regardless of people's background, regardless of people's ideology," Keenan told the press.

He confirmed that Galea was the first right-wing extremist to be arrested under new Australian laws.

"What we do know is that this particular individual has strong links to right wing extremist organisations," Keenan said.

"He has been charged with acts in relation to the preparation of a terrorist act."

"This is the first time we've used Commonwealth anti-terrorism laws in relation to an alleged right wing extremist."

Meanwhile, Keenan added that Australia's terror threat level remains at "probable" in the wake of a number of terror attacks throughout Europe, and said Australian authorities had foiled nine possible attacks in recent months.

"The terror threat level is probable. It's the highest it has ever been. Australia is not immune from terror, but authorities have disrupted nine attacks (in recent times). It's testament to the resources and powers we have given to our world class intelligence agencies," Keenan told the press.

Keenan will head to Indonesia later on Monday to meet with regional and international Counter Terrorism Ministers to discuss the terror climate for the first time since the spate of recent terror attacks throughout Europe. Endit