CANBERRA, ACT, May 1 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A northern NSW man is expected to face McLean Local Court on 11 June, 2026 charged with publishing an alleged social media threat directed towards a federal parliamentarian.
Investigations began in March, 2026, after the AFP received information regarding a social media comment that allegedly encouraged violence against a federal parliamentarian.
Further inquiries by the National Security Investigations (NSI) team linked the man, 70, to the comment.
A search warrant was executed in Iluka, NSW on 30 April, 2026, with officers seizing the man's mobile phone.
The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code(Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
He was granted police bail to next appear in McLean Local Court on 11 June, 2026.
AFP Acting Inspector Joel Rivers said publishing online content that condoned harm would not be tolerated by the AFP.
"Menacing, harassing or offensive comments have serious ramifications, and the public should be aware that type of online content is a criminal offence," a/Insp Rivers said.
"Public officials have the same rights as all workers to conduct their duties free from threats and harassment."
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causinghigh levelsof harm to Australia's social cohesion, including the targeting of the federal parliamentarians.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
