SA MPs warned over alleged criminal and ‘conspiracy theorist’ Grant Benjamin

Government, Opposition and cross bench politicians have all been put on alert over mounting concerns about an alleged criminal with mobile phone “conspiracy theories”.

All of the state’s 47 MPs were issued the police alert on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

South Australian politicians have been put on a heightened state of alert over mounting security concerns about an accused criminal with mobile phone “conspiracy theories”.

In a police notice issued to MPs on Monday, the state government warned about the behaviour of southern suburbs man Grant Benjamin, who is in custody until at least Thursday.

Security Intelligence Unit detectives warned Mr Benjamin, 53, had “made claims around conspiracy theories, including ramblings about 5G technology”.

A police-issued mugshot of the accused man who holds ‘conspiracy theories’. The Advertiser can’t reveal his face for legal reasons. Picture: SA Police

While South Brighton-based Mr Benjamin, who also is linked to a Newton address, in Adelaide’s northeast, has not made any threats, security services have been notified about his potential release and a police mugshot circulated statewide.

Authorities urged Lower House MPs, and their political aides, to take necessary precautions if the man attends their electorate offices and to call police if events escalate.

Police warned government officials how he may try to speak to the South Australian “Minister for Communications” despite being a federal cabinet position “or whomever he determines” they may be.

Detectives did not disclose how they obtained their intelligence.

All 47 Lower House MPs were warned about potential threatening behaviour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Leaked documents show a senior manager from the Treasury Department, which manages state parliament’s operations, warned offices of all 47 Lower House MPs across the state.

Government, Opposition and cross bench politicians were assured detectives had informed the Police Security Services Branch, which protects government buildings, “in the event he may attempt to attend Parliament House”.

“If Mr Benjamin attends your office and behaves inappropriately please do not hesitate to activate your office duress devices,” Treasury warned. “If you are in a position to do so follow up with a call to (SA Police).”

Police have warned security services the accused may attempt to enter state parliament. Picture: Matt Loxton

Mr Benjamin, who is before the Christies Beach Magistrates Court, has yet to plead to serious criminal residential trespass, stealing, driving and drug equipment charges.

A police spokeswoman said: “As part of their duties, (the) Security Intelligence Unit regularly communicate with Ministers in relation to a wide variety of security matters involving government, individuals or community groups.”

A Treasury spokeswoman added: “It’s normal practice that we pass relevant advice from (SA Police) onto staff.”

A Premier’s office spokesman declined to comment as did the Opposition.