THE Australian Federal Police has come under pressure to reveal whether a covert operative was planted in a group of five Melbourne men charged with terrorism offences.

The charges relate to an alleged plot to attack the Holsworthy Army Base in NSW.

It was revealed yesterday that one of the men, Saney Aweys, had been recorded on telephone intercepts expressing his hatred for Australia and people who were not followers of Islam. Lawyers for the men described the prosecution case as weak.

Under questioning from Aweys' lawyer, Rob Stary, on the second day of a bail application at Melbourne Magistrates Court, federal agent David Kinton said no civilian witnesses had made statements ''at this stage''.

But when Mr Stary asked if a covert operative had been planted, Mr Kinton hesitated, before replying: ''Can I seek legal advice?''