Australia opposition leader Peter Dutton targeted of bomb plot at home before election against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Australian Opposition Leader’s Family Home Target of Alleged Bomb Plot

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton confirmed on Friday that his family home had been the target of an alleged bomb plot, but stated that concerns for his personal safety did not hinder his election campaigning efforts.

Dutton is currently campaigning to replace Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the upcoming elections on May 3.

Both leaders are accompanied by Australian Federal Police security teams as they travel across the country for their campaign activities.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the AFP for keeping my family safe. I’ve never felt unsafe in this role, especially with the protection provided by the AFP. It hasn’t hindered me from carrying out my duties, and it won’t during this campaign,” Dutton told reporters in Perth.

“This job is a test of character: Do you have the strength to deal with challenges and act in the best interests of our country regardless of what comes your way?” Dutton added.

Teenage Boy Charged with Terror Plot

Dutton’s security measures gained attention after a 16-year-old boy was ordered to stand trial in the Queensland state Supreme Court in Brisbane on charges of planning a terrorist act.

The boy, arrested last August, faces a potential life sentence if convicted and cannot be named due to his age.

Dutton’s home, where he resides with his family on the outskirts of Brisbane, was reportedly the target of the alleged plot involving explosives and a drone, according to sources cited by The Australian newspaper.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached out to Dutton following the news. Albanese mentioned that he too had been the subject of a serious incident but chose not to disclose further details.

“The number of threats made against parliamentarians has escalated recently,” Albanese told reporters in Darwin.

“There’s no place for any of this in politics, and I have ensured that any member of parliament who seeks support receives it,” Albanese added.

Threats against Australian Lawmakers on the Rise

Albanese’s Sydney office is among those of several lawmakers that have been vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists since the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw reported responding to 1,009 threats against lawmakers in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The current fiscal year, starting in July 2024, has seen 712 threats reported by March, indicating a potential increase in threats.

Dutton’s campaign spokesperson James Paterson stated that the opposition leader’s family requires constant police protection.

Dutton mentioned that he has received prime minister-level protection since 2014 when he was appointed as minister for immigration and border protection and started deporting criminals.

“I’ve made tough decisions that have impacted my family, but they have been resilient and supportive throughout,” Dutton said.