A Brisbane man is due to face court next month after police allege he sent threatening and offensive online messages targeting federal parliamentarians and a “high-profile” academic.
The 55-year-old has been charged following an investigation by the AFP Queensland National Security Investigations (NSI) team, which was launched in December 2025 after reports of harassing communications being directed at federal politicians.
Police allege the man was linked to the messages after inquiries identified him as the sender.
On Friday, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Runcorn, where electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
The man was arrested at the scene and later bailed. He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 15, charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
Photos released by the AFP show the residence cluttered with hundreds of books.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman said public officials were entitled to carry out their work without intimidation or harassment.
“Sending messages online does not provide anonymity. The AFP has the tools and skills to identify individuals who engage in intimidating or harassing behaviour online,” Superintendent Freeman said.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October 2025, aimed at targeting individuals and groups causing serious harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including those allegedly directing abuse at federal parliamentarians.
Investigations are continuing.
