The Australian Federal Police (AFP) responded to more than 50 reports of crime against candidates during the recent Federal election.
AFP Commander Protection Operations Mark McIntyre said more than 600 officers contributed Operation Australis25, between March 28 to May 3, to protect the safety of all candidates running for the House and Senate, from the Prime Minister to independents.
Commander McIntyre said AFP officers maintained round-the-clock operational coordination of capabilities including intelligence, protection assessments, covert and specialist operations, investigations and close personal protection.
“Our members committed more than 43,000 hours in supporting the AFP response to the Federal Election,” he said.
“This included protection of high office holders, mitigating active and emerging threats, investigating election-specific criminal complaints and in partnerships with our state and territory police partners, responded to incidents to ensure Parliamentarians and candidates could perform their duties free from intimidation, violence and harm.”
He said over the five weeks, the AFP received 51 reports relating to a range of alleged offences, including threatening in-person or online communications targeting Parliamentarians.
“To date, four individuals have been charged with state-based election related offences.
“A number of investigations are ongoing which may lead to further individuals being charged with applicable offences.”
Key statistics of Operation Australis25:
- 51 reports of crime evaluated by the Electoral Investigations Coordination Cell (EICC) for investigative triage resulting in 10 AFP investigations.
- 28 matters finalised.
- 15 criminal complaints either initiated by external agencies or referred for investigation.
- Six investigations remain ongoing.
- Two reports remain subject of ongoing evaluation.
