A South Australian man is expected to appear before Adelaide Magistrates Court today (27 February, 2026) for allegedly sending multiple menacing and offensive emails to a federal parliamentarian.
AFP investigators charged the Elizabeth South man, 73, last month (January) following an investigation into a series of emails sent to the parliamentarian between May 2023 and December 2025.
AFP investigators traced the source of the alleged offensive emails and executed search warrants at an Elizabeth South property on 9 January, 2026, where several electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Adelaide Magistrates Court today (27 February, 2026).
AFP Detective acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said the AFP took seriously all reports relating to the safety and security of Australian parliamentarians.
"The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but does not tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment," Det a/Supt Lalic 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."
In November, 2025, an Adelaide man was charged by the AFP following an unrelated investigation into a series of harassing emails sent to Commonwealth employees. That matter remains before the courts.
