Threats against Australian federal politicians
A 55-year-old man was arrested on February 17, 2026, in Macquarie Fields, Sydney, and charged with making death threats against Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, as well as possessing unauthorized prohibited firearms and a prohibited weapon. As of February 28, 2026, the man, who was refused bail, is scheduled for his next court appearance on March 4, 2026. This incident is part of a growing trend, with Australian Federal Police data showing threats against federal politicians almost doubled from 555 in 2021-22 to 951 in 2024-25. AFP Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton stated that the AFP will not tolerate criminal behavior or threats, regardless of technology used.
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February 2026 — 5 developments
Man charged with threatening Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers amid rising threats against politicians
A 55-year-old man charged with threatening Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is part of a growing trend, with Australian Federal Police data showing nearly three violent or menacing threats against federal politicians reported daily. Reports of such threats against federal politicians rose from 555 in 2021-22 to 951 in 2024-25, a rate that has almost doubled in two years.
Accused refused bail at Campbelltown Local Court, next appearance March 2026
The accused appeared before Campbelltown Local Court, where he was refused bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2026.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton warns against criminal behavior and threats
AFP Detective Superintendent Jeremy Staunton emphasized that the AFP supports freedom of speech but will not tolerate criminal behavior or threats to kill, stating that perpetrators cannot hide behind technology.
AFP charges man with threatening to kill, possessing unauthorized firearms and prohibited weapon
The AFP charged the man with two counts of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill, three counts of possessing unauthorized prohibited firearms (gel blasters), and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon (metal handcuffs). These offenses carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Man arrested in Sydney for allegedly making death threats against Treasurer Jim Chalmers
A 55-year-old man was arrested at a Macquarie Fields residence in Sydney after allegedly making death threats against Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized gel blasters, slingshot mounts, handcuffs, and electronic devices during the raid.