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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has introduced new “hate disrupter squads” aimed at confronting those who propagate “hatred, fear, and humiliation.” This initiative follows a stark warning from the AFP about the detrimental influence certain figures and influencers are having on young Australians.
During a Senate estimates hearing, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett disclosed the formation of these units. She also mentioned two ongoing operations focused on countering the activities of white supremacists and hate preachers, amid growing concerns about the increasingly youthful nature of terror threats.
To date, 21 individuals have been charged, primarily for issuing threats against parliamentarians, high-ranking officials, and members of the Jewish community.
“These squads were established to target groups and individuals that inflict significant damage on Australia’s social cohesion,” Barrett explained to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. “I am deeply worried about the rising and existing entities that undermine our nation’s social fabric by endorsing hatred, fear, and humiliation.”
She noted that while many of these entities aren’t engaging in acts of terrorism, the AFP has observed behaviors that could potentially escalate into politically or ideologically motivated violence or hate crimes.
Barrett said in the current climate it was “probable” young people would start to be declared “high risk terrorist offenders”.
“A majority of our terrorism caseload continues to be religiously motivated violent extremism,” she said.
“We are also recording increasing incidents of ideologically motivated violent extremism.
“We are also witnessing a trend of lone actors being radicalised quickly – and this creates a more challenging environment for law enforcement.
“And of significant concern, we are witnessing a growing cohort of people, including youth, who are susceptible to hatred or are attracted to violence.
“Too many influences and influencers are poisoning the minds of our kids and the vulnerable.”
Under questioning from senators, Barrett was pushed to respond to widely criticised footage of NSW Police clashing with protesters at Sydney Town Hall on Monday night.
She refused to comment directly on the videos but said the AFP would have a ” significant policing presence” today for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to the ACT.
“Absolutely I can provide you with that assurance around the professionalism of our members, ensuring that they will go about their duties respectfully with the protest, but also if we do see criminal behaviour responding appropriately,” she said.
Barrett came in for criticism by Greens senator David Shoebridge for not appointing an acting commissioner while she was in Vanuatu in December.
The Bondi terrorist attack occurred during the two days she was visiting the Pacific nation for talks about regional security.
Shoebridge said he found the decision not to appoint an acting commissioner “extraordinary” but Barrett insisted she was in charge and had full communication, even able to dial into the National Security Committee meeting within two hours of the attack.
“The AFP responded extremely swiftly, immediately after Bondi, so I take offence if there’s any insinuation that we didn’t as an organisation,” Barrett said.
Minister Murray Watt insisted the commissioner had the government’s full confidence and said Shoebridge’s treatment of public servants “all day, all year, every estimates” was “disappointing”.
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