A West Australian man has been charged with sending offensive emails to the electorate office of a federal parliamentarian.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) linked the man to the emails that allegedly contained racist remarks.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations team began an investigation in April.
In a statement, the AFP said it conducted a search warrant on Friday at a home in Yanchep, about 55km north of Perth’s CBD.
A 70-year-old man was arrested and bailed to appear in the Magistrates Court in Perth on July 10.
He was charged with five counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, according to the AFP.
The man is due to face court next month. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)
The maximum penalty for this offence is five years’ imprisonment, police said.
AFP acting inspector Fleur Jennings said offensive remarks towards elected officials would not be tolerated.
“Like all employees in this country, public officials deserve to be able to go to work and conduct their business in a safe environment,” Ms Jennings said.
“People should not think they can engage in offensive behaviour online and remain anonymous.
“The AFP has the resources and technology to find offenders who threaten, menace or harass parliamentarians and high-office holders, and bring them before the courts.”
