Australian counter-terrorism authorities are investigating a 2025 arson attack on a defence manufacturer in Melbourne’s north-east as a possible terrorist act, in a significant escalation of the year-long inquiry.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, said the attack on Lovitt Technologies may have been carried out by far-left extremists motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.
No arrests have been announced. Investigators have released new images of people they allege were involved and are seeking information from the public as they work to establish the identities of those responsible.
Vehicles set alight in Greensborough attack
The incident occurred at about 3.55am on July 5, 2025, at the company’s Greensborough property. Authorities allege a group vandalised the business, graffitied a building and set fire to three vehicles before leaving through a back fence.
Police say the alleged offenders then travelled on e-bikes in a south-westerly direction along the Plenty River. Investigators have appealed to motorists who were in the area at the time to check whether they retained dashcam footage, while also asking anyone with knowledge of the group to come forward.
A video posted online after the incident purported to claim responsibility for the attack. According to authorities, people shown in the video wore black hooded jumpers, backpacks and gloves. The video expressed opposition to the Australian government, advanced grievances in support of Palestine and alleged the company was targeted over its role in the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter supply chain.
Police also allege the video contained material advising viewers how to make an incendiary device similar to one suspected of being used in the attack. Those claims remain part of the investigation and have not been tested in court.
Potential charges carry severe penalties
The joint counter-terrorism team is examining possible offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, including engaging in a terrorist act and carrying out acts in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. The AFP said a conviction for the alleged conduct could carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall said investigators had information about the alleged offenders and were focused on identifying them. He warned that authorities were determined to bring those responsible before the courts and described the alleged criminality as extremely serious.
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill said the use of fire had created a risk to the wider community. He said companies and employees had a right to conduct their work safely, regardless of political or social disputes surrounding their activities.
Why the terrorism assessment matters
Classifying an incident as a possible terrorist act does not determine guilt. Prosecutors would still need to prove every element of any charge beyond reasonable doubt, including the motivation and intent required under federal law.
The assessment is nonetheless notable because the ABC reported it was the first Australian investigation of what authorities consider a potential far-left terrorist attack driven by anarchist and revolutionary ideology.
Security agencies have previously warned that conflict in the Middle East has contributed to sharper political tensions and an increase in intentionally disruptive or damaging activity. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said last year that nationalist and racist violent extremists accounted for most ideologically motivated extremism investigations, while also identifying a rise in anarchist and revolutionary extremism as a concern.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information, images or footage from the Greensborough area on the morning of the attack to contact police or Crime Stoppers. The investigation remains active, and all people sought by police are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
