CANBERRA, ACT, March 13 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A Sydney man appeared before Liverpool Local Court today (13 March, 2026) after being charged for using social media on multiple occasions to threaten and harass public officials, including a federal parliamentarian.
The AFP charged the man, 37, today after an investigation into a social media comment which allegedly contained a threat to kill a federal parliamentarian.
AFP investigators will allege the threat was traced to the man, with a search warrant executed at a Liverpool unit today where a mobile phone was seized for forensic examination.
It will be alleged between December, 2025, and February, 2026, the man used social media to post a series of threatening and offensive comments encouraging violence towards political leaders, government institutions and police officers.
The man was charged with eleven counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
The man appeared before Liverpool Local Court today (13 March, 2026) where he was formally refused bail. He is expected to return to the same court on Monday (16 March, 2026).
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Bell said the AFP took all threats of violence extremelyseriously, particularly when directed at elected representatives and those serving the community.
"Every person engaged in public service deserves to feel safe while carrying out their duties," Det-a/Insp Bell said.
"Some people believe the anonymity of the online environment gives them licence to engage in threatening or abusive behaviour. It does not. The AFP has the tools and skills to identify individuals who use social media to intimidate or harass others.
"Australians are encouraged to take part in public discussion, but behaviour that amounts to harassment, intimidation or threats will not be tolerated - whether it occurs in person or behind a keyboard."
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.
