SYDNEY, January 14, 2026 —
A man accused of threatening a federal politician made a statement to the media outside court, as authorities report a significant rise in threats against Australian parliamentarians.
- Greg William Tait, 43, appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence.
- Tait allegedly made multiple threatening phone calls to a member of parliament’s office in December.
- The Australian Federal Police reported a 63% increase in threats against parliamentarians over the past four years.
A man facing potential jail time for allegedly threatening a federal politician caused a stir after leaving court Wednesday, declaring “Team Australia, that’s what I stand for, nothing else,” to waiting media.
Greg William Tait, 43, appeared in Parramatta Local Court in Sydney’s west after being charged with making threatening phone calls to an MP’s office, according to police reports. Tait did not enter a plea and told the court he was seeking legal advice.
While his court appearance was uneventful, Tait reacted with disbelief to the presence of the media, joking that his case was the biggest story in the country when asked about the alleged threats.
Australian Federal Police searched Tait’s home in Greystanes and seized electronic devices following the alleged phone calls made on December 16, authorities said.
If convicted, Tait faces up to five years in prison for using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence.
Rising Threats to Politicians
The case comes amid a broader trend of increasing threats against Australian politicians. The AFP received 951 referrals or threats against parliamentarians in the 2024-25 financial year, a 63% increase over the past four years, according to the agency.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but any criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, will not be tolerated,” senior federal officer Matthew Gale said in November.
In recent months, several other individuals have been charged in connection with threats against political figures. In December, a man was charged after allegedly making threats to kill federal communications minister Anika Wells. Later that month, a 27-year-old Sydney man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Independent federal MP Allegra Spender and the NSW opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, were among politicians who received alleged inflammatory and violent threats after condemning a neo-Nazi rally outside NSW parliament in November.
Tait is scheduled to return to court on January 28.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Guardian and added independent analysis and context.
