A western Sydney man, 43, is expected to face court next month after being issued with a court attendance yesterday (9 March, 2026) over an alleged online threat towards a federal parliamentarian.
An AFP National Security Investigations (NSI) team began an investigation in January, 2026, following notification of a threatening email towards the parliamentarian.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a Rosehill home on 9 March, 2026, and seized a number of prohibited weapons, including an extendable baton.
The Rosehill man is expected to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 14 April, 2026, to face the following charges:
One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment;
One count of knowingly display by public act and without reasonable excuse, a Nazi symbol, contrary to section 93ZA(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment; and
One count of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton 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.
"The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but does not tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment," Det-Supt Staunton said.
"The AFP has zero tolerance for threats or menacing behaviour towards elected 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, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.
