Australia On Red Alert: Escalation in Politically Motivated Violence and Threats
Australia's security services are on alert due to a documented increase in politically motivated violence, threats, and harassment across the country. The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, has previously described the threat of political violence as "flashing red" for Australia, noting a rise in incidents and diversification of risk sources. This trend encompasses various forms, from online abuse and physical assaults to threats against public officials and specific communities.
Key Findings and Statistics
Recent surveys and police reports paint a concerning picture of the escalating situation:
A 2025 survey of federal politicians and their staff indicated that 85 percent have encountered violent, threatening, or volatile behavior, including assault, spitting, and verbal threats. Nearly half reported these incidents occurring more than once a month.
"Threats are increasing across the board, from vandalism of political offices and online harassment to direct threats," stated Lydia Khalil, program director at the Lowy Institute. She noted that broader threats are becoming more complex, encompassing civil unrest during demonstrations, violence against elected officials, and social cohesion threats targeting faith communities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's residence, the Lodge, was subject to a bomb threat via an email sent to the organizers of a Chinese dance group. No evidence linked the Chinese embassy or government to the incident.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned in his 2025 annual risk assessment that global political tensions can quickly resonate in Australia, amplified by social media and misinformation. He also cautioned that attacker motivations are diversifying, blurring lines between sabotage, politically motivated violence, and foreign interference.
Threats Against Public Officials
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) recorded 951 reports of threatening, harassing, nuisance, and offensive communications to parliamentarians in the last financial year, representing a 63 percent increase over four years.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett indicated that violent offenders are targeting politicians, high office holders, and the Jewish community, attributing much of this to misinformation.
Anti-government extremist movements, including neo-Nazi, jihadist, sovereign citizen, and conspiracy-minded groups, have been identified as contributors to this environment.
The AFP noted that threats and comments directed at female parliamentarians are particularly concerning. Recent actions by the AFP include charging at least four individuals for threats against federal politicians, with weapons like swords and axes seized in one case.
A 2021 survey of Victorian Members of Parliament found that two in three had experienced harassment and threats, with 35 percent reporting stalking. Most respondents adjusted their lives due to these threats, including increasing security measures. The number of threats against candidates during the May 2025 federal election also rose by 17 percent compared to the 2022 election.
Broader Societal Impacts and Online Hate
The 2025 McKinnon Index found that approximately half of Australians are dissatisfied with the functioning of Australia's democracy. Furthermore, nine percent of respondents stated that it is sometimes justifiable to use extreme measures, including violence, to advance a cause, with younger Australians more likely to hold this view.
Australia's general terrorism threat level has been set at "Probable" since August 2024, indicating a greater than 50 percent chance of an onshore attack or attack planning within 12 months. This update cited a shift towards "hybrid" ideologies and faster radicalization.
Specific communities have also been targeted. The Executive Council of Australia Jewry reported a significant rise in antisemitism. The Islamophobia Register Australia documented 309 in-person Islamophobia incidents in 2023 and 2024, more than double any other two-year period since 2014. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also faced politically motivated violence, including an attempted bombing at a Perth Invasion Day rally.
A 2022 survey by the eSafety Commissioner found that 23 percent of Australian adults had personally experienced online hate based on their political views, making politics the most cited factor for online hate, surpassing race, sexual orientation, gender, and appearance.
Mike Burgess highlighted the inextricable link between online and real-world threats, noting the internet's increasing influence on young people's sense of identity and community.