Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has adopted a resolute stance following disclosures that far-right extremists with neo-Nazi affiliations allegedly plotted to kidnap him. The reported threats emerged from an online Discord chatroom operated by radical activists, where discussions allegedly included a $10,000 offer to rent a vehicle for the abduction operation. These developments occurred shortly after the Bondi Beach terror attack, though investigators have not connected the plot to that incident.
Addressing the security concerns, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that threat levels against him have substantially increased, particularly following events of December 14. Despite these security challenges, the Prime Minister emphasized his unwavering commitment to public engagements and direct interaction with Australian citizens. ‘My primary focus remains ensuring the safety of all Australians, not myself,’ Albanese stated during an ABC interview. ‘I maintain full confidence in the Australian Federal Police and security authorities to perform their duties effectively.’
The security climate has intensified significantly in recent months, with at least five individuals facing charges for allegedly threatening both Prime Minister Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. These cases include a Sydney man accused of making threatening communications to the Prime Minister’s office and a 19-year-old from Western Australia allegedly sending social media messages containing death threats.
This escalation coincides with increased visibility of neo-Nazi organizations across Australia. The recently dissolved Nationalist Socialist Network (NSN) has drawn particular attention from security agencies, with ASIO Director-General Mark Burgess and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke repeatedly highlighting concerns about the group’s extremist rhetoric. The group announced its disbandment following new anti-hate legislation passed by federal parliament in response to the Bondi attack.
The threat environment has extended beyond the Prime Minister, with NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane reporting similar security concerns after criticizing neo-Nazi demonstrations outside state parliament. In a separate development, neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis was denied bail this month for allegedly inciting violence against independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender through Telegram communications.