Threats against federal MPs rise 42 pc, prompting AFP warning

Reported threats to Australian federal MPs increased 42 percent in the past financial year, according to police figures.

The Australian Federal Police says that in 2023-24, there were 1009 threats reported compared to 709 matters the year before (2022-23).

In recent years, the AFP have charged people for threatening MPS in the Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

In South Australia, a man faced court today (Wednesday, December 18) over threats to Commonwealth officials.

AFP Commander Stephen Fry said the AFP had zero tolerance for threats or violence towards MPs and the AFP works closely with state police to investigate.

“We take seriously all reports regarding the safety and security of federal parliamentarians and people who work with them,” Com. Fry said.

“A threat of harm or violence against a federal parliamentarian is a criminal offence.”

The AFP’s Specialist Protective Command (SPC) guards federal MPs and senior office holders at places like Parliament House in Canberra and other official establishments.

The AFP is able to call on the services of Protective Service Officers (PSOs), Close Personal Protection, Security Protection and Diplomatic Liaison, and other AFP specialist resources including Tactical Response, Canine Support, Bomb Response and Maritime Operations.

The AFP also provided protection at a series of major events throughout 2024 which included the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Summit, the Royal visit by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Paris Olympics and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

“The AFP is committed to providing protective services to Australian and foreign dignitaries, and to internationally protected people, to ensure they are able to discharge their duties without fear or harm,” Com. Fry said.

“I would like to thank our members for their incredible work, which they undertake 24/7, all year round.”