The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating the case of Matthew Gardiner, a former NT union official and senior NT Labor party figure, who has left the country.
It is understood Mr Gardiner, who has an army background, was headed for Iraq or Syria where he plans to join Kurdish militants and fight against Islamic State (IS).
The AFP would only confirm Mr Gardiner was the subject of an active investigation.
"The AFP is aware of this matter," an AFP spokesperson said on Sunday.
"As this matter is part of an ongoing investigation it is not appropriate to comment further."
Mr Gardiner was until recently secretary of the NT branch of the hospitality union United Voice.
A union spokesperson would only confirm Mr Gardiner had recently resigned, and said any further questions should be put the AFP.
Mr Gardiner is also head of the NT Labor Party, though his status in this role remains unclear.
Calls by AAP to Territory party contacts were not immediately returned.
A federal Labor spokesman said opposition leader Bill Shorten was aware of reports regarding Mr Gardiner, but no statement would be made until they were confirmed.
Mr Gardiner, 43, reportedly served as an Australian Army combat engineer in Somalia in the early 1990s.
Attorney General George Brandis has received an AFP brief on the Gardiner case.
A spokesperson for Mr Brandis said Australians who join militant causes overseas face imprisonment should they survive and return.
"If you fight illegally in overseas conflicts, you face up to life in prison upon your return to Australia," the spokesperson said.
"It is illegal to fight in Syria for either side of the conflict.
"It is illegal to fight for a terrorist organisation anywhere, including in Iraq."
Australians who wanted to oppose the actions of the Islamic State group should instead donate to humanitarian groups operating in affected areas, the spokesperson said.
Around 90 Australians are understood to have travelled to the Middle East to join militant causes.
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