PM urges defiance amid Anzac terror plot

Australians should be defiant in the wake of an alleged terror plot foiled by police and turn out in numbers to Anzac Day events, the prime minister says.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione

The Victorian premier has vowed to ramp up security and police presence for Anzac Day ceremonies. (AAP)

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is urging Australians to be defiant in the wake of Melbourne's terror raids and turn out in large numbers to Anzac Day events.

Victorian police swooped early on Saturday, arresting five teenagers, two of whom they allege were planning Islamic State-inspired attacks during the city's commemorations of the Gallipoli landings next weekend.

They claim the group has links to Abdul Numan Haider, the Melbourne teenager shot dead after stabbing two officers last year.

Sevdet Besim, 18, from Hallam, has been remanded in custody after facing Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Saturday afternoon charged with conspiring to commit terrorist acts.

An 18-year-old from Hampton Park is also expected to be charged with offences relating to preparing for a terrorist act and remains in custody.

A third 18-year-old from Narre Warren was released on Saturday evening, although it was expected he would be charged on summons with weapons offences.

Two other Narre Warren men, aged 18 and 19, were also released pending further inquiries.

Following the arrests, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews vowed to ramp up security and increase police numbers across Melbourne for Anzac Day events.

"This is not an issue of how you pray or where you were born," he told reporters.

"This is simply evil."

Mr Andrews, who will be attending Melbourne's dawn service and football at the MCG next Saturday, reassured people that authorities would take all steps to keep them safe.

It was a sentiment Mr Abbott echoed, saying there would be a strong police presence across all states and territories despite no specific threat in other cities.

"Please don't be deterred. Turn up in the largest possible numbers to support our country, our values and our armed forces," he told reporters in Sydney.

The best sign of defiance was to go about normal Australian life, he said.

Those travelling to Turkey for the 100th anniversary of the first Anzac landing in Gallipoli, should also rest assured that 4000 Turkish police and security personnel will be deployed on the peninsula.

Mr Abbott praised the professionalism of the 200 officers involved in the Melbourne raids.

Federal Police deputy commissioner Michael Phelan lamented that the rudimentary and simple nature of the alleged plot was a new paradigm for police.

"All you need these days is a knife, a flag and a camera and one can commit a terrorist act," he told reporters.

Unlike in drug investigations, counter-terrorism officers did not have the luxury of time, which is why they took swift action.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten described the allegations as "heinous".


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