Opposition leader Peter Dutton has addressed being the target of a suspected terrorist plot involving a 16-year-old boy, who has been accused of procuring bomb-making materials for an attack in Brisbane. This revelation was first reported by The Australian and has led to heightened awareness regarding the threats faced by public officials.
In a recent press conference, Dutton expressed that his paramount concern is the safety of his family amidst these threats. He affirmed his appreciation for the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who have been in constant communication with him regarding security matters. Notably, Dutton has maintained a security detail similar to that of the Prime Minister and the Governor-General since his tenure as immigration minister from 2014 to 2017, a period during which he made significant policy changes affecting the deportation of criminals.
Dutton noted the impact on his family’s life due to these security concerns but stated their resilience and gratitude towards the AFP for ensuring their safety. He underscored that the security measures stemmed from decisions made to protect Australians, reinforcing his commitment to keeping the nation safe from potential threats.
During a forum in Perth, Dutton sidestepped further inquiries about the terrorist plot. He commented on the harsh nature of the political landscape, revealing how it has dissuaded his children from pursuing political interests, which he sees as a minor blessing. He added a sense of pride in his public service, acknowledging that such roles require a willingness to sacrifice personal anonymity.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached out to Dutton following the news, emphasising that there is no place in politics for threats of violence. He noted an alarming rise in threats against politicians, acknowledging his own experiences with intimidation and legal issues. Both leaders have increased their security precautions amidst growing anxiety surrounding safety on the campaign trail for the upcoming federal election.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw reported an uptick in threats against political figures, with incidences rising dramatically in recent years. In a recent Senate Estimates hearing, he revealed that reports of threats surged from 555 in 2021-22 to over 1000 in 2023-24 and warned that numbers for the current year indicate a continued trend. These threats disproportionately target male politicians, yet female officials face particularly distressing levels of hostility.
The AFP is implementing specific security measures ahead of the federal election, establishing a dedicated incident coordination centre to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of those serving in public roles. Kershaw asserted that defending democracy is crucial and that such intimidation tactics should not suppress the voices contributing to the nation.