Perth Man Charged Over Threatening Emails to Federal MP

Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers (C, at podium) delivers his budget speech at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 14, 2024. Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

A 46-year-old man from Eden Hill, Western Australia, has been charged with sending four threatening and harassing emails to a Commonwealth Member of Parliament.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) charged the man on Jan. 16, after he voluntarily attended AFP Perth headquarters.

During the investigation, officers seized a mobile phone that allegedly contained the threatening correspondence.

The man faces four counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence, under section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).

The maximum penalty for these offences is five years’ imprisonment. He will appear in Perth Magistrates Court to face the charges.

AFP Reports Surge in Threats

The AFP’s investigation follows reports of a rise in threats against Australian federal parliamentarians.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the AFP received 1,009 reports of such incidents, compared to 709 in the previous year.

Investigations have been carried out in states including the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Multiple arrests have been made.

In December 2024, a South Australian man faced court for alleged menacing offences against Commonwealth officials.

“We take seriously all reports regarding the safety and security of federal parliamentarians and people who work with them,” said AFP Commander Stephen Fry. “A threat of harm or violence against a federal parliamentarian is a criminal offence.”