The influence of Islamic state over some Australian youths is a tragedy, Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop says.
An 18-year-old male is due to appear in a Sydney court on Wednesday for allegedly planning to carry out an imminent terrorist attack.
"Tragically, it appears to be another young person inspired by these brutal terrorist organisations that are operating in Syria and the middle east," Ms Bishop told Nine Network from Vienna where she is attending Syria peace talks.
Counter-terrorism police will tell the court Tamim Khaja was trying to get hold of a gun and was targeting buildings in Sydney.
Khaja, who was arrested in Macquarie Park on Tuesday, faces one count of planning a terrorism attack and one of preparing for foreign incursions.
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"He was obviously of interest to our security and intelligence agencies," Ms Bishop said.
The minister said it was important for Australia to be represented at the Syria talks and be part of the international effort to bring peace to the war torn country and stamp out IS.
"We are playing our part to defend terrorism at its source and to try and ensure that Australia and Australians are safe as possible from the scourge of terrorism," she told Seven Network.
Ms Bishop praised security and intelligence agencies for thwarting attempts by individuals to commit acts of terror on Australian soil.
