Threats against Australian politicians are on the rise

Police have revealed the number of threats to federal politicians has more than tripled in the past three years. Politicians and experts say the spike is being driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police investigated 582 reports of harassment and threats last year alone.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says the government is aware of the report but will leave security arrangements to the A-F-P and other law enforcement agencies. The AFP says it supports freedom of speech but when it leads to harassment or intimidation even online, it can reach a criminal offence threshold and it will not be tolerated.

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