Western Sydney man the first to be charged by federal antisemitism task force

The first person to be charged under Australia’s strict new anti-Semitism laws can now be revealed.

A Western Sydney man has become the first person to be charged under the federal police’s special anti-Semitism taskforce.

The Blacktown man, 44, was charged on Thursday for allegedly making death threats to members of a Jewish organisation.

Police will allege the man posted death threats to the organisation’s social media page.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

A Western Sydney man has become the first person to be charged under the federal police's special anti-Semitism task force.

AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said Thursday’s charges were the first since Special Operation Avalite was set up in December, 2024.

“Special Operation Avalite was established to target high-harm, recidivist antisemites,’’ Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.

Police will allege the man posted death threats to the organisation's social media page.

“A number of individuals are under investigation and the community should expect further charges.

“It is abhorrent that individuals are being targeted and threatened because of their race or religion.

“Anti-Semites should be on notice. If you engage in antisemitic conduct, you will investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”