Australian opposition leader targeted in alleged terror plot

Canberra

Australia's opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has been identified as the target of an alleged terror plot involving a teenager and homemade explosives. News Corp Australia revealed that the suspect, a 16-year-old from Brisbane, was arrested in August 2024 and charged with planning an attack on Dutton’s home using a drone and improvised explosives.

The teenager faced court on Thursday and will stand trial in the Queensland Supreme Court on terrorism charges. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment.

Speaking from Western Australia during the election campaign, Dutton thanked the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for their protection. “I’ve never felt unsafe in this job, especially with the AFP’s support,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he reached out to Dutton and acknowledged an increase in threats against politicians. “It is a fact that threats have gone up. We must ensure all parliamentarians are safe,” he said from the Northern Territory.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw recently told a Senate hearing that 1,009 threats were recorded against high office holders and MPs in 2023–24, a sharp rise from previous years. In just the first seven months of 2024–25, 712 incidents were already reported.

Kershaw said six men had been charged in five separate cases involving threats to politicians this year. He highlighted that female leaders and ministers faced especially troubling threats.

Albanese emphasized that additional security is available for all parliamentarians during the election period. Authorities continue to encourage political figures to seek guidance on safety measures as the campaign intensifies.