Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has praised the work of a young ASIO officer, who helped thwart a terror attack on Christmas Day in 2016.

The rookie spy became suspicious when she spotted a group of young men acting strangely inside a chemist.

Her tip-off led to their arrests.

Details about the plot have been released publicly for the first time, after a suppression order was lifted.

Three men have been found guilty of conspiring to conduct a terror attack in Melbourne’s CBD two years ago.

The Federal Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has praised the efforts of the young female officer, saying our security agencies work hard every day to keep Australians safe.

“When you look at the skill level that they have within the organisation, the [Australian Federal Police] as well… they are dealing with many, many cases.

“The work that they do, all sorts of aspects that the public will never learn about but that keep us safe, that prevent the next attack from taking place, is pretty remarkable.”

In the wake of the Bourke Street terror attack, Mr Dutton says ASIO officers do a “remarkable job” behind the scenes to prevent incidents.

“There’s a lot of good work going on.”

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