An Ipswich man is scheduled to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on 1 June, 2026, charged with allegedly posting threatening messages online in relation to a federal parliamentarian.
The AFP's National Security Investigations (NSI) team began an investigation after receiving a notification on 18 May, 2026, of an online threat to kill a parliamentarian.
Inquiries revealed further alleged threats on social media attributed to the same account, which were posted between 14 and 18 May, 2026.
As a result of further inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a North Ipswich property yesterday (Sunday, 24 May, 2026), where NSI investigators seized an electronic device.
The Ipswich man, 53, was charged with three counts of using a telecommunications service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court next Monday (1 June, 2026).
AFP Detective acting Inspector Chris Crawford said the AFP took online threats towards elected officials very seriously.
"Public officials have the same right as everyone else in Australia to do their jobs without being threatened," Det a/Insp Crawford said.
"Individuals are not anonymous nor out of reach of the AFP when posting threats online. The AFP has the capability to identify offenders and bring them before the courts."
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 the federal parliamentarians.
