An arson attack on a Victorian aerospace parts manufacturer last year that damaged buildings and vehicles is now being investigated as a terrorist act.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) released new images of the attack on Lovitt Technologies at 3.55am on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
The taskforce includes the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation).
The attack damaged the business and vehicles set on fire.
The JCTT says an extremist group posted a video online, claiming responsibility for the attack; in the video, members expressed their opposition to the Australian Government and explained how to create an incendiary device.
They believe a similar device was used to damage the vehicles at the Greensborough-based business.
The JCTT says the suspects spoke in support of Palestine and believe they targeted the company in the belief it is part of the Australian defence supply chain.
(The company’s website says they are a high-tech parts supplier for the aerospace industry.)
After the attack, the group left via a back fence and travelled on e-bikes south-west along Plenty River.
The taskforce says motorists in the area at the time and have dashcam footage are urged to contact them as should anyone who may know more about the suspects or the arson attack.
ARSON ATTACKERS FACE LIFE IN JAIL
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall says the attack is serious and those who had information should immediately come forward.
“We clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are,’’ he says.
“At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group.
“We know this is making some in the group anxious and it should because we are determined to bring them before the courts.”
Det-Supt Hall says the attackers are facing “significant” (life) sentences in jail.
“We cannot overstate the seriousness of this criminality and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community.”
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill says the arson attack could put the wider community at risk.
“All companies and their employees have the right to go about their daily business safely and securely. Community safety is paramount,” he says.
“That anyone would use such violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable.
“Fire is dangerous and unpredictable. Criminal offending of this nature – which has the potential to significantly impact our community and lead to deaths or serious injury – will not be tolerated.”
CONTACTING AFP
- In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero) and ask for police.
- If you need help in a non-urgent situation, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to be connected to your local police.
- The National Relay Service can help you contact us if you’re d/Deaf or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.
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