CANBERRA, ACT, June 22 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A Queensland man is scheduled to appear in Gympie Magistrates Court on 3 August, 2026, charged with allegedly sending offensive emails to a federal parliamentarian.
The AFP's National Security Investigations (NSI) team began inquiries in April, 2026, after a report from the electoral office of a federal parliamentarian alleged the receipt of offensive and threatening emails and voice messages.
Police linked the man, 33, to the alleged threatening behaviour and executed a search warrant today (22 June, 2026) at a home in Gympie.
The man was arrested and charged with six counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman said the AFP took seriously all reports relating to the safety and security of Australian parliamentarians.
"The AFP does not tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment," Det Supt Freeman said.
"The AFP uses a range of tools, including world-leading technology and intelligence techniques, to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening Commonwealth officials."
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia's social cohesion.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
