The number of threats against federal politicians has increased by 42 per cent, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In the most recent 2023-24 financial year, the AFP received 1009 reports of incidents involving harassment, nuisance, offensive and threatening communications, compared to 709 the previous year. Several people across the country have been charged in recent years for allegedly making threats against MPs.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), there has been a staggering 42 per cent increase in the number of threats against federal politicians. (AFP)A 45-year-old South Australian man recently faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court for allegedly sending harassing emails to politicians. He has been charged with committing a threatening offence against a federal employee. Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Fry said there was “zero tolerance” for threats or violence against politicians. “We take all reports of concerns about the safety of federal MPs and their colleagues seriously,” he said. “Threats of harm or violence against federal MPs are criminal offences.” The Australian Federal Police has several teams responsible for protecting federal politicians and senior officials, including uniformed security guards stationed at official institutions such as Parliament House in Canberra. The teams have assessed around 20,000 separate operations of protected persons, including the royal visit to Australia by King Charles and Queen Camilla in October, and supported 3600 events, including protests.