Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw warns about ‘threat to democracy’

Australian parliamentarians are facing an increasing number of threats to their security, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has warned. The number of reports has risen to 725 so far this financial year, compared to just 279 in 2020-2021.

During an appearance before the Senate on Friday afternoon, Commissioner Kershaw said he was “concerned” about the increase in reported threats in recent years.

“Over the past four years, reports of harassment, nuisance, abusive and threatening communications against Australian parliamentarians have increased by 160 percent,” he said.

Commissioner Kershaw said the force had deployed additional resources to ensure the safety of parliamentarians.

“More activities and events in 2023 brought increased safety risk, which required the implementation of additional resources and risk treatment,” he said. “As of March 31, we recorded a 35 percent year-on-year increase over 2023 in the movements of parliamentarians considered at significant risk or higher.”

Commissioner Kershaw described the reported risks to MPs and Senators as a ‘threat to democracy’, adding that plans were already underway for the next federal elections, due to take place by May 2025.

“For federal parliamentarians here today … if you feel unsafe or need advice, please contact the AFP Diplomatic Liaison Team,” he said.

Young people radicalize online: Kershaw

Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner Kershaw spoke of the “very worrying trend” of the online radicalization of young Australians.

‘We are concerned about the activities identified online, but also about what is happening in the real world, including violence in schools, such as planning possible attacks on students and teachers, and the production of explosives or the possession or use of weapons .

Since July 2021, the AFP and its counter-terrorism partners began investigating 27 young Australians between the ages of 12 and 17, with 60 percent subsequently charged with a range of crimes including advocating terrorism, spreading extremist material and planning a terrorist crime. or being a member of a terrorist organization.

Despite the allegations, Commissioner Kershaw insisted it was still the AFP’s priority to intervene before terrorism-related crimes were committed.

“Where possible, and where there is no immediate threat to the community, the AFP prioritises early intervention and disruption strategies before prosecuting young people,” he said.

“Once a prosecution and conviction occurs, many people’s lives are seriously disrupted.

Commissioner Kershaw also highlighted the “very worrying trend” of the online radicalization of young Australians

The AFP commissioner added that “significant resources” were needed to tackle high-risk terrorist offenders after they had spent time behind bars.

“Managing each offender requires dedicated resources, with planning typically beginning two years before the date of release,” he said.

“For example, the AFP administered and enforced the terms of extended adult supervision orders between August 26, 2022 and January 21, 2024. This required approximately 80 members and 10,300 operational hours.”

Commissioner Kershaw said there were currently 25 high-risk terrorist offenders due to be released within the next five years.

As the AFP worked with agencies and therapeutic services, as well as community and faith leaders, Commissioner Kershaw called on parents to pay attention to their children’s ‘online nutrition’.

“There is a lot of rubbish and nonsense on the internet and on social media platforms,” he said.