Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says terrorism is a "serious, ever-present threat" in Australia.
Mr Turnbull was briefed on Wednesday by the Australian Federal Police on the arrest and charging of a 17-year-old Sydney boy with two terrorism-related offences.
"We have to be vigilant constantly - this is a serious, ever-present threat," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Perth.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the teenager was facing serious charges.
"Being detained on terrorism charges is very serious, and again a reminder we have to be as vigilant as we can.
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"From the advice I have, it's not related to any previous incidents so this is a new incident," Mr Baird told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
"Clearly our police are doing everything they possibly can to protect us and keep us safe, and obviously I congratulate them for taking the steps that they have."
