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AFP Launches 'Hate Disrupter' Teams, Reports 21 Charges in Escalated Crackdown

Commissioner Krissy Barrett told Senate estimates the new units target high‑harm extremists under tougher post‑January laws.

Overview

  • The National Security Investigations teams have charged 21 people, largely over alleged threats against parliamentarians, senior officials and Jewish Australians.
  • Dedicated operations include Operation Drakelow against white supremacists and Operation Antrobus against hate preachers.
  • Barrett warned some hate preachers are using legal advice to continue recruitment, noting investigators do not always meet charging thresholds.
  • Joint AFPASIO teams have charged 26 youths with terrorism‑type offences since 2020, and Barrett said it is probable youths will begin to be designated high‑risk terrorist offenders.
  • The AFP reports a rise in lone‑actor cases driven by individual grievance, with online threats more often translating into real‑world violence.