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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has arrested three men for allegedly harassing or threatening three federal politicians.
A new federal investigations team, established under AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett in September, is targeting groups or individuals that harm social cohesion.
Outlining the three arrests this week, AFP acting assistant commissioner Matthew Gale said a Sydney man had used a carriage service to share “a menacing message”.
A man in his thirties has been taken into custody on allegations of harassing independent MP Allegra Spender. This incident follows her outspoken criticism of a neo-Nazi demonstration that took place outside the New South Wales parliament.
The arrested individual, a 30-year-old from Sydney, is believed to be Joel Davis, a member of the National Socialist Network. He is facing charges related to making threats against Allegra Spender, an independent member of parliament. This information has been confirmed by AFP sources.
In a separate incident, SBS News reports that a 29-year-old man was apprehended in Tamworth for allegedly issuing online threats directed at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Current and emerging individuals and groups that are eroding our country’s social fabric by advocating hate, fear and humiliation and the AFP is once again putting them on notice,” Gale told reporters on Friday.
“There is no place for hate or violence in our communities.”
He expressed concern about the rise in threats against federal politicians, with a 63 per cent increase in incidents over the last four years.
The AFP received 951 referrals or threats against parliamentarians in the 2024-25 financial year.
Gale said AFP national security teams are working closely with Commonwealth, state and territory partners to provide the “most effective and disruptive policing response”.
“Know the AFP is watching you and ready to take action.”
