Premier Mike Baird: more must be done to combat radicalisation in schools after 'terrorist incident'

October 8, 2015 -

Emma Partridge

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

NSW Premier Mike Baird says more must be done to combat radicalisation in schools and that Sydney has a problem with Islamic extremism, following a "terrorist" attack in which a police employee was killed.

"This is a terrorist incident. That's what it is – there is no doubt about it, we have to ensure that we don't see incidents like this again," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"There is no doubt we have to do more [about radicalisation in schools]," he said in response to a question.

Mr Baird also said it was clear Sydney was had a problem with Islamic extremism following the shooting death of police finance worker Curtis Cheng by teenage gunman Farhad Khalil Mohammed Jabar.

"There is no doubt, we do [have a problem], you can see that, but importantly this is a minority and is something that will be dealt with."

Mr Baird places a floral tribute for NSW Police accountant Curtis Cheng outside Parramatta Police Headquarters. Photo: Steven Siewert

"We need to understand that we are in a new world. The risks emerging are new. We have to adapt, we have to respond."

Fairfax Media revealed Jabar had been attending voluntary lunchtime prayers sessions at Arthur Phillip High School.

Jabar was also in the same year as a 15-year-old Islamic State supporter who yelled abuse outside a Christian school and flew the terror group's flag through western Sydney.

But the Premier would not say there was a radicalisation problem at the Parramatta school.

"There have been some isolated incidents, they are being dealt with by police, they are being dealt with by the department of education," he said.

"My strong assurance to the people of NSW is that our schools are safe."

He said the government would work to fast-track additional support and programs into NSW schools following the terror-related attack.

"This is a complicated problem ….We have to do more and we will."

"The Department of Education is obviously considering the events that have transpired and we are, and have been, for a considerable period, been in consultation about additional support and programs we can provide into our schools."

He said the arrests of five men across Sydney during pre-dawn raids demonstrated how hard the NSW Police were working to keep Sydney safe.

"We are thankful for the actions they [police] have taken and clearly we have much more to do.

"The police are doing everything they possible can to keep us safe," he said.