The first Australian to return home after allegedly joining Islamic State in Syria, Adam Brookman, has appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates court and been remanded in custody until November 16.

Brookman was charged with willingly providing support to a terrorist organisation and intending to support a person to engage in a hostile activity.

He has previously said he went to Syria as a nurse and was forced to join IS.

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The court heard police need time to gather evidence overseas and that phone intercepts would also form part of the evidence.

He did not apply for bail. He appeared in court wearing a black collared jumper and did not speak in the court.

Brookman only nodded or shook his head when spoken to and was seated in the normal courtroom dock rather than appearing behind security glass like he did on Sunday.

Brookman’s lawyer, Rob Stary, said outside court Australian Federal Police did not think Brookman posed a risk to anyone in Australia.

“The federal police have taken the view that Mr Brookman presents as no risk to any person in Australia, and the safety of Australian citizens of course was their primary concern in helping to facilitate Mr Brookman’s repatriation,” Mr Stary said.

Court documents allege Brookman carried out guard duty and reconnaissance for the Islamic State between April 2010 and August 2014.

His return to Australia was negotiated between the AFP, Victoria Police and other commonwealth government agencies and international partners.

AFP’s national manager for counter-terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan, said there was no evidence of a threat to Australia in this case.

Brookman told Fairfax Media in May he was in Syria for humanitarian work, but was forced to join the Islamic State after being injured and sent to IS-controlled territory.