Australian Federal Police charge West Australian man with using social media to threaten parliamentarian

The Australian Federal Police have charged a West Australian man with using social media to threaten a Commonwealth parliamentarian between November and December last year. The 29-year-old Toodyay man was charged on Friday after the threats were traced to him and an investigation was completed. The AFP searched the man’s house, where they forensically reviewed electronic devices. They also found three cannabis plants and drug-related items. He has been charged with three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence. This offence has a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail. AFP Commander Renee Colley said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety and security of parliamentarians seriously and assessed each matter based on the information provided. “The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but I want to make it clear we will never tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment,” Cdr Colley said. “The AFP will identify individuals who break the law by threatening or harassing Commonwealth elected officials.” The Toodyay man has also been charged with two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, and one count of cultivation of a prohibited plant. The first is punishable by a fine of $36,000 and/or three years in prison, and the second is punishable by a fine $2000 and/or two years in prison. The man will appear before Perth Magistrates Court on March 12 and has been granted conditional bail.