A Bankstown man has faced Bankstown Local Court today (12 December, 2025) charged with allegedly making online threats towards a federal parliamentarian.
On 27 November, 2025, the AFP's National Security Investigations (NSI) team received a referral from the parliamentarian's office regarding two emails they had received.
These emails allegedly contained threats to kill the parliamentarian and their family.
The AFP allegedly linked the man, 31, to the emails. He was arrested and his electronic devices seized following the execution of a search warrant at a Bankstown residence today.
He has been charged with one count of using a carriage service to threaten to kill, contrary to section 474.15(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The man was bailed to next appear in Bankstown Court on 23 December, 2025.
Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton said the AFP had zero tolerance for threats and menacing behaviour towards elected officials.
"Freedom of speech and political expression are keys to a healthy democracy, however threats towards politicians, and particularly their families, are taken extremely seriously," Det Supt Staunton said.
"Police have the tools and resources to identify individuals or groups who seek to promote hate and fear within our community, even if they are hiding behind the anonymity of a keyboard or email account."
The AFP set up NSI teams in September, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia's social cohesion, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.
