A Brisbane man is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 May, 2026, charged with allegedly sending threatening online messages to federal parliamentarians.
The AFP Queensland National Security Investigations (NSI) team began the investigation in December, 2025, after receiving notification of harassing and offensive messages being sent to federal parliamentarians and a high profile academic.
The AFP allegedly linked the man, 55, to the messages.
Police executed a search warrant at a Runcorn home yesterday (17 April, 2026) and seized electronic evidence, which will be subject to forensic examination.
The man was arrested and bailed to appear before court in May charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to s474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
This offence carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman said public officials had the same rights as all workers to conduct their duties free from threats and harassment.
"Sending messages online does not provide anonymity. The AFP has the tools and skills to identify individuals who engage in intimidating or harassing behaviour online," Det Supt Freeman said.
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.
