Media Release
NSW man charged over allegedly menacing online conduct towards a federal parliamentarian
A Queanbeyan man, 45, is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court on 26 May, 2026, charged with allegedly using social media to menace and harass a federal parliamentarian.
AFP National Security Investigations (NSI) began an investigation in February, 2026, following notification of an alleged menacing and offensive post targeted at a federal parliamentarian on social media.
AFP NSI officers executed search warrants in Hume, ACT and in Queanbeyan, NSW, yesterday (14 April, 2026) and seized a mobile phone, a laptop and various prohibited weapons including an extendable baton, a taser and pepper spray.
The man was arrested and bailed to appear before court in May on the following charges:
- One count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon without authority, contrary to section 5 of the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996.
Each offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The investigation is ongoing and further charges have not been ruled out.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion.
