Two Australians Arrested Over Alleged Online Threats to Federal Parliamentarians
The Australian Federal Police have arrested and charged two men in Queensland and New South Wales for allegedly sending threatening and offensive messages to elected officials.
Harry Taruva 
Canberra - The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged two men in separate investigations following allegations of online harassment and death threats directed at federal parliamentarians and public figures.
In Queensland, a 55-year-old man from Runcorn is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 May.
The arrest follows an investigation launched in December 2025 by the National Security Investigations (NSI) team.
Police allege the man was responsible for a series of offensive and harassing messages sent to politicians and a prominent academic.
Following a raid on the man’s home on 17 April, 2026, investigators seized several electronic devices for forensic analysis.
He has been charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
"Sending messages online does not provide anonymity," said AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman.
"The AFP has the tools and skills to identify individuals who engage in intimidating or harassing behaviour online," he said.
Simultaneously, a 20-year-old man from Bligh Park in New South Wales has been issued a court attendance notice for allegedly sending a death threat to a federal representative.
The investigation, which began in March, culminated in a search warrant being executed at a residential property last week.
The younger man faces two counts of using a telecommunications service to menace, harass or cause offence, a charge that, under Commonwealth law, carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
He is scheduled to appear before Penrith Local Court on 5 June.
"Public officials, like anyone else in Australia, have the right to conduct their duties without receiving threats or abusive messages," stated AFP Detective Acting Inspector Chris Campbell.
"Hiding behind a keyboard or phone does not mean you are anonymous and out of the AFP’s reach," he said.
