A neo-Nazi facing allegations of inciting his followers to “rhetorically rape” a federal politician will continue to be detained, as federal authorities intensify their efforts against threats and harassment targeting public officials.

Joel Davis, aged 30, appeared in front of Sydney magistrate Daniel Covington today, where his request for bail was denied.

Acting as a spokesperson for the National Socialist Network, Davis is accused of using a communication platform to promote abuse and hatred towards Allegra Spender, the independent MP for Wentworth.

Authorities claim Davis urged his followers to “rhetorically rape” Spender on a secure online platform. This call to action reportedly came after Spender denounced the group’s rally held outside the NSW parliament earlier in November, which aimed to “abolish the Jewish lobby.”

During an online court session, Davis’s legal representative, Liam McKibbin, highlighted the personal circumstances of his client, noting that Davis’s partner is pregnant and expecting their son soon.

The couple has arranged for a home birth with a midwife at their residence in Bondi.

Noting the “alleged disturbing conduct,” the defence lawyer said it doesn’t include a “specific physical threat of violence”.

Opposing bail, prosecutor Kristen Wakefield said Davis’ South Australian criminal history showed he is bailed to an address there.

She said he was an unacceptable risk, noting failure to appear, danger posed to community safety, and the alleged offending occurring while on bail.

Wakefield said due to Telegram’s wide audience, it would be very difficult for federal police to conduct compliance checks to ensure he wasn’t continuing to offend.

Refusing the bail application, Covington said there was an unacceptable risk of Davis committing a serious offence and endangering community safety.

He will next appear before the court online on December 3.

Australian Federal Police National Security Investigations teams have arrested three people, including Davis, in the past week for allegedly harassing or threatening parliamentarians.

They include a Tamworth man, 29, issued a court attendance notice for allegedly sending online threats to an Australian high office holder, in addition to a 32-year-old Victorian man for allegedly using a carriage service to harass a politician.

AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale said 951 referrals had been made in the 2024/2025 financial year over threats to federal politicians.

“The AFP is very concerned, and our national security investigations teams, alongside with our specialist protective command, are working hand in glove with our federal parliamentarians to make sure that we provide them with the assurances and the safety that are required,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“Threats against federal parliamentarians is a significant issue for us.”

He said there had been year-on-year increases in threats, with a 63 per cent rise over the last four years.