Queensland man charged over alleged antisemitic threats against Jewish community
A 56-year-old Queensland man has been charged after allegedly posting antisemitic threats against the Jewish community on the messaging platform Telegram.
He was also charged with possessing illegal weapons.
Queensland man charged over antisemitic threats and possessing illegal weapons (AFP)
The Australian Federal Police said the investigation began in September 2025 after authorities were alerted to a series of threatening and antisemitic messages.
According to police, the AFP’s National Security Investigations team in Queensland traced the posts to a Telegram account allegedly operated by a man from Longreach in central-western Queensland.
Officers from the AFP, assisted by the Queensland Police Service, executed a search warrant at a house and vehicle in Longreach on March 12. During the search, police seized two flick-knives, an extendable baton and electronic devices that will undergo forensic examination.
The man has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause an offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. He has also been charged with unlawful possession of weapons under section 50(1)(c)(iii) of the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld), which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
He is due to appear before Longreach Magistrates Court on April 14.
One of the weapons allegedly found (AFP)
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Freeman said authorities took threats directed at the Jewish community seriously.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but does not tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment,” Freeman said.
“The AFP is committed to identifying and charging individuals suspected of harassing, menacing or threatening the Jewish community. There is no place for hate or violence in the Australian community.”
The case forms part of a broader federal effort to address online hate and threats against Jewish Australians. In October 2025 AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the creation of specialised National Security Investigations teams to investigate individuals and groups whose actions are assessed as undermining Australia’s social cohesion, including threats directed at the Jewish community.
Police said the electronic devices seized during the Longreach search will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Further charges may be considered depending on the outcome of forensic analysis.
Police urged anyone with information about potential threats to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
