A man, 42, has appeared before the NSW Bail Division Court today (21 August, 2026) after he allegedly made multiple vexatious calls to Australian electoral offices while based in New Zealand.
An AFP investigation began in June, 2026, after the man departed Coolangatta Airport and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand.
Over a two-week period, the man allegedly contacted electoral offices in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania on multiple occasions and made threats of self-harm and harming others.
AFP officers arrested the man on 20 August, 2026, at Sydney Airport after he arrived on a flight from New Zealand. They seized two mobile phones, books, and a passport.
The man was charged with:
One count of using a carriage service to make a threat to cause serious harm, contrary to section 474.15(2) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is seven years' imprisonment; and
Three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years' imprisonment.
He appeared before NSW Bail Division Court today (21 August, 2026) where he was formally refused bail. The matter is next scheduled for Downing Centre Local Court on 14 October, 2026.
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.
