Charges Laid in Two Incidents Alleging Threats Against Federal Politicians

Two separate incidents have led to charges against men in Sydney and Queensland for allegedly making threats against federal politicians. These events come amid reports of an increase in threats targeting public officials across Australia.

Sydney Man Appears in Court Over Threatening Calls

Greg William Tait, a 43-year-old man, appeared in Parramatta local court in Sydney on a Wednesday.

He faces charges for allegedly making threatening phone calls to a federal politician's office.

Police were alerted by the politician's staff on December 16. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) subsequently searched Tait's western Sydney home, where electronic devices were seized.

Tait has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Tait has not yet entered a plea and informed the court he is seeking legal advice. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 28.

Queensland Man Faces Charges for Social Media Threats

Separately, a 39-year-old man from Queensland is scheduled to appear in court following allegations of threatening multiple federal politicians on the social media platform X. The alleged messages were posted between December 10 and December 15 of the preceding year.

The AFP reportedly linked the social media account to the man. On December 19 of the preceding year, officers conducted a raid on a unit in Woodridge, Logan, Queensland. During the search, items including swords, axes, and electronic files were seized. Police anticipate alleging that records of the social media threats were discovered on the man's mobile phone and desktop computer.

He has been charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace or harass, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment upon conviction. The man was granted bail.

Rising Threats Against Public Officials Across Australia

These incidents are part of a broader reported trend of increased threats against public officials in Australia. In November, Sydney eastern suburbs politicians, including independent federal MP Allegra Spender and NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane, reportedly received inflammatory, misogynistic, and violent threats following their condemnation of a neo-Nazi rally.

Other recent cases include:

• A man charged in December for alleged online threats to kill federal communications minister Anika Wells.
• A 27-year-old Sydney man arrested later in December for allegedly threatening to kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in online posts.

The AFP reported receiving 951 referrals or threats against parliamentarians in the 2024-25 financial year. This represents a 63% increase over the past four years. In November, senior federal officer Matthew Gale stated that:

"while freedom of speech and political expression are supported, criminal behavior, including threats and harassment, will not be tolerated."