A Victorian man appeared at Ballarat Magistrates' Court today (12 June, 2026) for allegedly threatening a federal parliamentarian.
AFP National Security Investigations (NSI) received a report on Wednesday (10 June, 2026) of an abusive phone call in which a federal parliamentarian was allegedly threatened with an act of violence.
Investigators linked a 65-year-old man to the phone call. AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a Mount Egerton home today (12 June, 2026).
The man has been charged with:
One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment; and
One count of committing an indictable offence while on bail, contrary to section 30B of the Bail Act (Vic). This offence carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment.
The man appeared at Ballarat Magistrates' Court today (12 June, 2026) and was granted bail. He is next expected to appear before court on 15 September, 2026.
AFP Detective Superintendent Amanda Glover said threats towards federal parliamentarians would not be tolerated.
"The AFP takes all threats against Commonwealth public officials seriously and will investigate any report thoroughly," Det Supt Glover said.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe at work, and that includes elected representatives carrying out their duties on behalf of the Australian community.
"The AFP has the resources and technology to find offenders who threaten, menace or harass parliamentarians and high office holders, 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.
