Keyboard warriors and worse: Threat to politicians from the public is greater than ever
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rob HarrisFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The recent bomb threat that forced Anthony Albanese to evacuate The Lodge highlights a growing trend of politically motivated violence in Australia. This incident, which included an email warning of "large quantities of nitroglycerine" planted around the Prime Minister's residence, underscores a sharp rise in threats against political figures. According to data from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), reports of politically motivated threats increased by 63% during the 2024-25 financial year compared to previous years. This alarming trend reflects a broader breakdown in public civility and an increasingly hostile political environment.
The threat appears to be linked to efforts to disrupt performances by Shen Yun Performing Arts, a group banned in China but touring Australia. While police have yet to identify the source of the emails, the incident raises concerns about the escalating use of violence as a tool for political intimidation. Senior figures are not the only targets; threats against MPs and candidates during the 2025 federal election rose by 17%, with similar patterns observed globally.
Social media has played a significant role in fueling this trend. A University of Melbourne study revealed that nearly all Victorian state MPs using social media experienced online abuse, often tied to their political positions or gender. Female MPs reported particularly high rates of gendered abuse, aligning with global trends of rising online gender-based violence against women in politics. The AFP Commissioner has highlighted the daily influx of threats and abusive messages directed at parliamentarians, emphasizing the need for greater security measures.
The physical targeting of political offices has also intensified, with incidents like smashed windows, threatening graffiti, and objects thrown at staff reported across both major parties. A review of Australian Parliamentarian Offices found that 85% of electorate offices experienced high levels of abusive or violent behavior from constituents, with nearly half facing such incidents multiple times monthly.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026