The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has arrested three men for allegedly harassing or threatening three federal politicians.
A new federal investigations team, established under AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett in September, is targeting groups or individuals that harm social cohesion.
Outlining the three arrests this week, AFP acting assistant commissioner Matthew Gale said a Sydney man had used a carriage service to share "a menacing message".
The 30-year-old has been arrested for allegedly harassing independent MP Allegra Spender after she condemned a neo-Nazi protest outside the NSW parliament.
A 30-year-old Sydney man, understood to be National Socialist Network member Joel Davis, has been charged over alleged threats made to independent MP Allegra Spender. Credit: AFP
A 32-year-old man in Victoria is scheduled to face court next week over alleged threats towards federal parliamentarian Lidia Thorpe.
The AFP revealed the man allegedly sent multiple harassing emails and an abusive phone call, with "hateful and menacing rhetoric".
The men face a maximum penalty of five years' jail over the allegations.
Gale refused to label the ideological leanings of the individuals, with two reported to be linked to neo-Nazism, but said the arrests were a "very explicit warning" to those sharing extremist views.
"Current and emerging individuals and groups that are eroding our country's social fabric by advocating hate, fear and humiliation and the AFP is once again putting them on notice," Gale told reporters on Friday.
"There is no place for hate or violence in our communities."
He expressed concern about the rise in threats against federal politicians, with a 63 per cent increase in incidents over the last four years.
The AFP received 951 referrals or threats against parliamentarians in the 2024-25 financial year.
Gale said AFP national security teams are working closely with Commonwealth, state and territory partners to provide the "most effective and disruptive policing response".
"Know the AFP is watching you and ready to take action."
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