Australian Opposition Leader Targeted in Alleged Terror Scheme
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Synopsis
Peter Dutton, the leader of Australia's opposition party, has been identified as the target of an alleged terror plot involving a teenager from Brisbane. This incident highlights the rising threats faced by parliamentarians in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Dutton identified as target of a terror plot.
- Teenager arrested for planning an attack with a drone.
- Incident raises concerns about safety of parliamentarians.
- A rise in threats against officials reported by AFP.
- Security measures in place for parliamentarians.
Canberra, April 11 (NationPress) The leader of Australia’s opposition party -- poised to be the next Prime Minister -- Peter Dutton has been flagged as the target in an alleged terror conspiracy.
On Thursday evening, News Corp Australia reported that a 16-year-old individual from Brisbane was arrested and charged in August 2024 concerning an alleged scheme to assault Dutton at his residence north of Brisbane.
The reported plot supposedly involved a drone along with homemade explosives.
The teenager appeared in the Brisbane Children's Court on Thursday, where he was ordered to stand trial in the Queensland Supreme Court on a singular charge related to planning or preparing for a terrorist act. If found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as reported by Xinhua.
In response to the incident on Friday, Dutton expressed his confidence in the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to ensure the safety of him and his family while campaigning for the upcoming general election.
"I am deeply thankful to the AFP for keeping my family safe. I have never felt endangered in this role, especially with the AFP's protection. It hasn’t hindered my activities at all," he stated during a press briefing in Western Australia.
PM Anthony Albanese, whose Labor Party is seeking a second term in the upcoming election, confirmed earlier on Friday that he had contacted Dutton to discuss the alleged threat.
"There has indeed been a rise in threats made against parliamentarians, which has been detailed by the appropriate authorities," he informed reporters in the Northern Territory.
"I have also been the target of various issues, at least one of which is currently under legal scrutiny."
Albanese expressed his trust in the AFP’s capabilities to protect members of parliament. The AFP is responsible for providing full-time security to the PM, select ministers, and other parliamentarians based on assessed risks.
During a Senate hearing on March 27 -- the day before Albanese announced the election -- AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw disclosed that there were 1,009 threats recorded against high-ranking officials, federal parliamentarians, dignitaries, and electoral offices in 2023-24, a significant increase from 555 in 2021-22.
Kershaw noted that 712 incidents were documented in the first seven months of the current 2024-25 financial year.
In the 13 weeks preceding his Senate address, the AFP charged six men in relation to five distinct incidents of allegedly threatening parliamentarians and one man for allegedly threatening a political entity.
He urged all politicians to reach out to police for guidance on personal security during the election campaign.
"The nature of threats and remarks aimed at female parliamentarians and high-ranking officials are especially concerning," Kershaw remarked at that time.
Albanese confirmed on Friday that he had arranged security for any parliamentarian who requested it.
