Mohamed Kamer Nilar Nizamdeen was arrested by counter-terrorism officers at the University of NSW in Kensington on Thursday.

It followed a tip-off from a worker at the university, who police said found a notebook that allegedly named several locations and individuals as “potential targets”.

The ABC, citing a police source, has reported that former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop were among the targets. 

NSW Police have not confirmed the report. 

A number of other electronic items were also seized during a raid at the Zetland unit early on Friday morning.

The 25-year-old was charged with collecting or making a document which is connected with preparation for, the engagement of a person in, or assistance in a terrorist act.

“The charges laid against this person are serious and significant, and should not be underestimated,” Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Michael McTiernan said.

Nizamdeen is in Australia on a student visa that expires in September. 

He was employed as a contractor at the University of NSW and has allegedly travelled back to Sri Lanka and other areas.

Nizamdeen was not known to police and does not have any criminal history in Australia, police said.

Authorities insist there was no concern for public safety.

The University of NSW said the safety and wellbeing of staff and students on campus was its highest priority.

“We will continue to assist police with their investigations and to act on the advice of NSW police,” a spokeswoman told AAP.

The case was briefly mentioned at Waverley Local Court on Friday. Nizamdeen did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.

His matter is due before Central Local Court on October 24.