CANBERRA – The doubling of violent and menacing threats against Australian politicians, as revealed by Australian Federal Police (AFP) data, is a stark warning about the erosion of civility and the growing threat of extremism within our society. The AFP reports 951 incidents as of June, a significant increase from 555 in 2021-22, resulting in at least 21 charges against individuals since October. This alarming trend demands immediate and decisive action to restore order and protect those who serve the public.

The recent evacuation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese from The Lodge following a bomb threat serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by our leaders. The reported connection to the Shen Yun performances and the Falun Dafa movement highlights the complex security challenges posed by foreign influences and extremist ideologies.

While the bomb threat garnered national attention, the AFP's findings indicate that many threats originate from lone individuals on social media platforms. This underscores the need for greater accountability and stricter regulations on online platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it does not extend to threats of violence and intimidation.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett’s establishment of National Security Investigations teams is a welcome step, but it must be accompanied by a broader commitment to law and order. These teams must be given the resources and authority necessary to effectively investigate and prosecute those who threaten our elected officials and undermine social cohesion.

The threat against Independent MP Allegra Spender, involving a vile reference to “rhetorically rape,” is a particularly disturbing example of the depravity and misogyny that permeates online extremist circles. This incident underscores the need for a strong moral compass and a rejection of the corrosive influence of radical ideologies.

The experiences of Senator Fatima Payman, who reports being “bombarded with hate and death threats almost every day” since leaving the Labor party, highlight the personal toll exacted by political violence. We must stand in solidarity with our elected officials and condemn all forms of intimidation and harassment.

To address this crisis, we must reaffirm our commitment to traditional values, strengthen law enforcement, and hold individuals accountable for their actions. We must also be vigilant against the spread of extremist ideologies, both online and offline. The safety and security of our elected officials are essential to the functioning of our democracy, and we must not allow them to be threatened by violence and intimidation. It's time for a strong response against such anti-social behaviour and support our representatives from all sides of parliament who face these challenges daily.