PM evacuated from The Lodge over security threat
Sydney Morning Herald
by Paul SakkalFebruary 24, 2026
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was forced to evacuate his official residence, The Lodge in Canberra, following a reported security threat. Police responded to the incident at approximately 6 p.m., conducting a thorough search of the premises, which is still ongoing as of late evening. Albanese was unable to return until after 9 p.m., nearly three hours after the initial threat emerged. While authorities have not disclosed the nature of the threat, they confirmed there is no immediate danger to public safety.
The incident comes amid a backdrop of increasing violent threats against Australian politicians, with reports showing a significant rise in such incidents over recent years. In the 2024-25 financial year alone, the Australian Federal Police received 951 referrals or threats targeting members of parliament, marking a 63% increase since 2020. This trend has prompted heightened concerns among security officials, with former AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw and ASIO chief Mike Burgess highlighting the growing risks faced by political figures across the spectrum.
Albanese himself has been a frequent target, with three men currently facing charges related to threats against him in the wake of last December’s Bondi terror attacks. These include a 19-year-old Perth man charged with threatening to kill the prime minister and another individual arrested for allegedly planning to kidnap him. Other politicians, such as Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Communications Minister Anika Wells, and independent MP Allegra Spender, have also reported receiving violent threats.
The recurring incidents underscore the broader challenge of political violence in Australia, particularly in the context of heightened tensions around divisive issues like migration, race, and the conflict in Gaza. Albanese has repeatedly called for a reduction in political rhetoric to “lower the temperature” of public debates, reflecting the broader societal concerns about the rising tide of extremism and hostility toward political figures.
This latest security scare highlights the vulnerabilities faced by even the highest-ranking officials in Australia and the growing need for robust measures to protect both politicians and the institutions they serve. For readers interested in global security trends, this incident serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between political discourse and public safety in democratic societies.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026