The Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant at a Mernda home on Friday 21 November, charging a man with using electronic devices to harass a federal member of parliament.
It is also alleged that the man defaced a flag at the parliamentarian’s electoral office.
The National Security Investigations (NSI) team responded to allegations that the 32-year-old man sent multiple emails and then called a parliamentarian using “hateful and menacing rhetoric”.
The accused faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment if found guilty.
AFP acting assistant commissioner, Matthew Gale, said the AFP took reports about the parliamentarian’s safety seriously.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech… but any criminal behaviour… will not be tolerated,” Mr Gale said.
He said the AFP was putting on notice anyone attempting to erode the “country’s social fabric” with hatred.
“Whether offending occurs online or in-person, the AFP will… collect intelligence and evidence, and prosecute those who seek to harm our community.”
