## Rising Threats Target Australian Political Leaders Amid Alleged Terror Plot
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has addressed reports that he was the intended target of an alleged terror plot, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offering his support in response.
The incident involves a 16-year-old facing charges for allegedly attempting to acquire materials to construct explosive devices with the aim of carrying out an attack in Brisbane. According to reports, Dutton was the specific focus of this alleged plan.
Speaking at a press conference, Dutton stated his immediate concern centered on the well-being of his family. “The Australian Federal Police do a great job and they have constant discussions and dialogue with us,” he remarked. He attributed his current security detail—similar to that afforded to the Prime Minister and Governor General—to decisions made during his tenure as immigration minister from 2014-17, a period marked by significant deportation efforts.
“There’s been an impact on my family,” Dutton acknowledged, “but they’ve been stoic and never complained about the security that’s been around me and my family.” He emphasized the importance of those past decisions, stating, “I wouldn’t change any of that because I know the decisions I took actually stopped further women from becoming victims of rapists and I know that the murders I deported from our country are no longer a threat to Australian people.”
Dutton has been fielding questions about the alleged plot throughout the day. At a forum in Perth, he declined to elaborate on the matter, commenting generally on the “brutal business” of politics and expressing relief that his children have lost interest in pursuing careers within the field.
Prime Minister Albanese confirmed he contacted Dutton this morning following the news, condemning such threats as having no place in Australian politics. “I have reached out to Peter Dutton this morning… there’s no place whatsoever in politics for any of this,” Albanese stated. He also revealed that he himself has been subject to a range of threatening issues, some of which are currently undergoing legal processes. He affirmed his commitment to providing support to all members of parliament, regardless of their political affiliation.
The heightened security concerns have impacted both major parties, with increased protective measures implemented following recent protests along the campaign trail ahead of the May 3 federal election.
**A Surge in Threats Against Politicians**
Data presented by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw to Senate Estimates revealed a significant increase in reported threats against politicians and public officials. Reports rose sharply from 555 in 2021-22 to 1009 in 2023-24, with 712 reports already filed this year through February 28, suggesting Australia is on track to surpass previous figures.
Kershaw noted that the targeted individuals represent a diverse range of political viewpoints and backgrounds across the nation. While male politicians are frequently targeted, he emphasized particular concern over the nature of threats directed towards female parliamentarians and those from ethnic backgrounds, noting instances where “male offenders are targeting women – because they are women – or women with an ethnic background.”
Six men, aged 29 to 64, have been charged in connection with five separate incidents within the past thirteen weeks. The AFP has developed election-specific security advice and established a dedicated incident coordination center operating seven days a week to manage any potential threats related to the upcoming federal election.
Commissioner Kershaw concluded, “This goes to the heart of protecting our democracy and ensuring the cowards behind the correspondence do not silence the voices who serve and contribute to Australia.”
