The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested three men for allegedly harassing or threatening three federal politicians.
A new federal investigation team, set up in September under the leadership of AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett, is targeting groups or individuals that harm social cohesion.
Outlining the three arrests this week, AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale said a Sydney man had used a carriage service to share “a threatening message”.
The 30-year-old has been arrested for allegedly harassing independent MP Allegra Spender after she condemned a neo-Nazi protest outside NSW Parliament.
A 30-year-old Sydney man, believed to be National Socialist Network member Joel Davis, has been charged over alleged threats against independent MP Allegra Spender. Credit: AFP
SBS News has learned that a 29-year-old man arrested in Tamworth allegedly sent online threats to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
A 32-year-old man in Victoria will appear in court next week over alleged threats against federal parliamentarian Lidia Thorpe.
The AFP revealed that the man had allegedly sent several harassing emails and an abusive phone call, containing “hateful and threatening rhetoric”.
The men face a maximum prison sentence of five years on the charges.
Gale declined to label the ideological leanings of the individuals, two of which were reportedly linked to neo-Nazism, but said the arrests were a “very explicit warning” to those who shared extremist views.
“Current and emerging individuals and groups who are eroding the social fabric of our country by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation and the AFP is once again spotlighting them,” Gale told reporters on Friday.
“There is no place for hatred or violence in our communities.”
He expressed concern about the increase in threats against federal politicians, with incidents increasing by 63 percent in the past four years.
The AFP received 951 referrals or threats against MPs in the 2024-2025 financial year.
Gale said AFP’s national security teams are working closely with Commonwealth, state and territory partners to provide the “most effective and disruptive policing response”.
“Know that the AFP is watching you and is ready to take action.”
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