A northern NSW man is scheduled to appear before the NSW Bail Division Courts today (11 June, 2026) charged with allegedly sending three offensive emails to a witness to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, as well as weapons offences.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations (NSI) team received a report about the offensive emails in May, 2026.
NSI investigators allegedly linked the man, 59, to the offensive emails.
A search warrant was executed in Woodburn, on the NSW far north coast, on 11 June, 2026, with investigators seizing a range of items, including electronic devices and two prohibited weapons.
Right-wing literature and pamphlets, and instructions on making explosives have also been seized for further examination.
The man was later charged with:
Four counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of intimidating a witness, contrary to section 36A (1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth);
Two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon in contravention of a weapons prohibition order, contrary to section 34(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW); and
One count of contravening a requirement in order under section 3LA, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
The man faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for the prohibited weapons and section 3LA offences.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Peter Crozier said online criminal threats had real-life consequences, including jail time.
“The Royal Commission was established in response to acts of hatred and intolerance directed at members of our community. Any continued intimidation or incitement of violence against individuals who are providing evidence to this inquiry is wholly intolerable,” Assistant Commissioner Crozier said.
“Using violence, threats or intimidation towards a witness in any proceeding, including before a royal commission, undermines important processes.
“People who believe they can threaten or harass people appearing before royal commissions, or before any sector of the judicial system need to be aware the AFP has the resources and technology to find you and bring you before the courts.”
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion.
