Media Release
NSW man charged over alleged online abuse targeted at Federal parliamentarian
A NSW man is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (11 July, 2025) charged with threatening a Commonwealth parliamentarian.
The AFP started an investigation in March 2025, after identifying threats being made against a parliamentarian on social media before the 2025 Federal Election.
The AFP allegedly linked a Kingswood man to the social media account and executed a search warrant at his home on 7 May, 2025.
After a forensic examination of the man’s devices, which were seized during the search warrant, the man was issued with a court attendance notice to face one count of threatening to cause harm to Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of nine years’ imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Mark Baron said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety and security of parliamentarians seriously and assessed each matter based on the information provided.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but I want to make it clear we will never tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment,” A/Commander Baron said.
