PM reaches out to Dutton after alleged teen bomb plot; AFP confirms record rise in threats

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered support to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton after reports emerged suggesting the Liberal leader was the target of a foiled terror plot involving a teenager. Albanese described such threats as having “no place whatsoever in politics” and revealed he, too, had faced a serious security incident.

The report in The Australian alleged a 16-year-old boy had purchased bomb-making materials last year, potentially intending to harm Dutton. While court proceedings in Brisbane did not confirm the intended target, the teenager has been charged and remains in custody, awaiting trial.

Albanese said he personally contacted Dutton following the news, warning of a dangerous rise in threats against elected officials. “It is a fact that the number of threats to parliamentarians has increased in recent times,” he stated during a media appearance. He also disclosed he had experienced a serious threat of his own, which is currently before the courts.

Albanese stressed his confidence in the Australian Federal Police (AFP), noting their role in implementing heightened campaign security as the federal election approaches. “There are more measures in place, and we’re facilitating security for any parliamentarian who requests it,” he said.

Dutton, speaking initially at a West Australian newspaper forum, declined to elaborate on the plot, calling politics “a brutal business.” Later, he thanked the AFP for their protection, which he said matched the level of security provided to the prime minister and the Governor-General.

“I’ve never felt unsafe in this job,” Dutton said. “It hasn’t stopped me from doing anything… This job is a test of character—do you have the strength to carry on and act in the best interests of our country?”

Senator James Paterson, the Coalition’s campaign spokesperson, labelled the alleged plot “distressing,” particularly for Dutton’s family. “Peter Dutton has served our country for 30 years, including a decade as a police officer. Sometimes there is a price for that,” he said. “But these threats will not intimidate him.”

The growing concern over political violence comes amid alarming statistics presented by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw. At a Senate estimates hearing, Kershaw revealed federal police recorded 1,009 threats to parliamentarians in 2023–24, doubling the number from two years prior. Already in the first seven months of 2024–25, 712 incidents have been reported.

“These include direct and indirect threats, harassment, nuisance, and offensive communications,” Kershaw said. “The targets span the political spectrum.”

Kershaw pointed to global democratic unrest, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, as a key factor. “There’s been a rise in issue-motivated extremism. People are quicker to justify violence as a political tool,” he warned.

In response, the AFP has launched Operation AUSTRALIS25, a task force dedicated to managing threats during the election campaign. Specialised security advice is being given to all parties, and officials are being monitored more closely than ever.

Albanese emphasised that Australian politics must remain free from fear. “We do live in difficult times, and sadly we’re not immune to what we’ve seen overseas,” he said. “But this cannot become normal. There is no place whatsoever in politics for threats or violence.”

Senator Paterson echoed the sentiment. “Australia is still a remarkably safe country. We don’t have the history of political violence others do, but we are seeing disturbing signs. If something ever did happen, it would change this country forever—for the worse.”

As the election campaign gathers pace, security remains tight. However, leaders on both sides insist they will not allow fear to derail their work or silence their voices.