A 43-year-old Sydney man has been warned he could spend up to five years behind bars after being charged with using a phone service to menace, harass, or cause offence, allegedly by making threats against a federal politician.
Court Appearance and 'Team Australia' Claim
Gregory William Tait, from Greystanes in western Sydney, appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday. The appearance itself was uneventful, but Tait caused a stir upon leaving the building. Confronted by waiting media, he declared, "Team Australia, that's what I stand for, nothing else."
When questioned about the alleged threats, Tait responded with apparent disbelief and joked that his case was the biggest story in the country. He did not enter a plea during the hearing, informing the magistrate he was still seeking legal advice.
Alleged Threats and Police Investigation
The charges stem from an incident in mid-December. It is alleged that Tait made multiple threatening phone calls to the office of a federal member of parliament. Concerned staff reported the calls to authorities on 16 December, prompting an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Following the report, AFP officers executed a search warrant at Tait's home in western Sydney. During the search, they seized a number of electronic devices as part of their evidence gathering. The specific nature of the threats and the identity of the targeted MP have not been publicly disclosed by the police at this stage.
A Growing Trend of Political Threats
This case is not isolated. It comes amidst a significant and worrying increase in threats against public officials in Australia. In November, politicians including independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane received violent and misogynistic threats after they condemned a neo-Nazi rally.
Just last month, a man was charged over alleged online threats to kill Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells. Separately, a 27-year-old Sydney man was arrested in December for allegedly threatening to kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in online posts.
Official data underscores the alarming trend. The AFP received 951 referrals or threats against parliamentarians in the 2024-25 financial year alone, representing a staggering 63% rise over the past four years.
Senior AFP officer Matthew Gale emphasised the force's stance in November, stating, "The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but any criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, will not be tolerated."
Gregory Tait is scheduled to return to Parramatta Local Court on 28 January for further proceedings.
