The Bully
LISTEN TO Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island is an SBS Audio production.
Credits
Created and hosted by Richard Baker.
Produced by Liz Burnett.
Sound Design and Mix by Max Gosford.
Executive Producer is Joel Supple
Artwork by Paolo Lim (The Illustration Room)
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WorkSafe Victoria charges justice department over Malmsbury youth centre riot
Worksafe has charged the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety over a riot at the troubled Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre. The charges relate to an incident in October 2023 where a youth justice worker and several young people were assaulted at the centre. The department faces two charges: failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment, and failing to ensure people other than workers were not exposed to health and safety risks. The ABC has previously reported on multiple assaults against staff and young people at the centre, which was decommissioned in December 2023. The state government has been contacted for comment.
ABC News
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Man who threatened politicians online long sought care for autism, court told
A man who bombarded politicians with "extraordinary" threats and antisemitic messages was desperate for help and support for autism, his lawyers say. The Melbourne man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, formally pleaded guilty to sending threats to federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser and Victorian Labor MP Gabrielle Williams. The 33-year-old was charged after his home was raided by counterterrorism officers from the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) Special Operation Avalite on February 6. Police alleged he sent death threats and antisemitic messages to Mr Leeser, who is Jewish and represents the seat of Berowra in northern Sydney. The 33-year-old also twice sent "a threatening email via an online contact form" to Ms Williams, Victoria's transport minister, according to charge sheets. The incidents took place between January 13 and 31. On Tuesday, the man faced the Assessment and Referral Court in Melbourne, a jurisdiction of the magistrates' court that sees people who have underlying factors that contribute to their offending behaviours, such as autism. Details of the man's offending were not aired before Magistrate Vincent Caltabiano, however earlier this year another magistrate, Brett Sonnet, described the messages sent to the politicians as "extraordinary communications". On Tuesday, the court heard the man had agreed to a support plan and had been attending weekly appointments. "It's stuff I've needed for years," he told Magistrate Caltabiano. "It's bizarre it had to come this far. "Even if I do work, I can't afford rent and bills and a psychologist and food." Defence lawyer Jackson McLeod said his client had been "banging his head against a brick wall" trying to get support. "In a sense, it's coming too late," Mr McLeod said. Magistrate Caltabiano, who is yet to sentence the man, extended his bail until September. The offices of Mr Leeser and Ms Williams have been contacted for comment. During Tuesday's hearing, the man was repeatedly told by the magistrate to mind his language. While leaving the court precinct, he stuck his middle finger up at reporters and swore at them. In April, the man's legal team told the court he had been diagnosed with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects the way people communicate and interact with others. Amaze, the Victorian peak body for people with autism, said at least one per cent of the population lives with the disorder. Previously, the man's legal team successfully applied for a suppression order preventing publication of his name until the end of the case, arguing his mental health would be in danger if his name was released to the media. During April's hearing, Magistrate Sonnet told the man that the suppression order would eventually be lifted. "These types of offences are becoming more prevalent and they're not uncommon," he said. "Threats and these types of communications are often received by politicians." The AFP said threats increased by 42 per cent in 2023-24 on the previous year, with more than 1000 reports of nuisance, harassment, and threatening communications. In a submission to the federal government last year, Amaze's chief executive David Tonge said there was evidence problematic internet use may be more prevalent in autistic people, but more research was needed. "There is also evidence that neurodivergent young people, including autistic young people, may be more involved in cyberbullying (as victims and perpetrators) compared to their typically developing peers," he wrote. "While best practice is yet to be established on how to best protect autistic people online, a multifaceted approach is clearly required. "It must include targeted information and resources for autistic people and their parents and carers (and for students and their teachers), as well as online safety mechanisms and regulatory measures."
SBS Australia
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'Serious crime' or 'tiny risk': Police have warned of foreign interference, but what is it?
The Australian Federal Police charged a Chinese national with reckless foreign interference on Saturday. Diaspora communities are being asked to look out for foreign interference and to report suspicious activity. The AFP is saying it plans to make more arrests under foreign interference laws. Foreign interference charges are rarely seen in Australia, but fresh allegations against a Chinese national have prompted authorities to issue a warning, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. An Australian Federal Police (AFP) assistant commissioner has described the offence as a "serious crime", but a policing expert says there's a "tiny risk" to the public. So what constitutes foreign interference, and should you be worried? What is foreign interference? Foreign interference is a broad term. AFP assistant commissioner Stephen Nutt explained it in the context of charges made at the weekend. "Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion. It is a crime carried out by or on behalf of a foreign principal that involves covert and deceptive conduct or threats of serious harm or menacing demands," he said. An AFP fact sheet adds that it is targeted towards CALD communities. Dr Michael Kennedy, policing studies professor at the University of New England, told SBS News foreign interference is a "vague" term, with no clear-cut definition. "It's a case of the AFP throwing out a scary phrase, creating a moral panic, and then not explaining what they actually mean," he said. What do we know about this recent case? A suppression order has been put in place to shield the woman's identity. Nutt said the agency plans to make more arrests in relation to the woman's activities. He said that despite this arrest, diasporas could still be targeted by foreign interference. "The AFP and our partners are working with diaspora communities to help protect them from this criminality," he said. What can foreign interference look like? The AFP has outlined six main signs of how foreign interference can take form in the community: Assault or threats of assault. Blackmail. Kidnapping, unlawful detainment or deprivation of liberty. Stalking and unwanted physical or electronic surveillance. Coercion of a person by threatening their family or associates overseas to force them to comply. Online disinformation campaigns through social media to discredit a person or group. Should you be concerned? The AFP has issued a warning to people to remain alert, report suspicious activity, although those instructions are "vague", Kennedy told SBS News. He said the AFP is making a big deal over a crime that is rare and a "tiny risk" to the community. "There's always a risk someone could be targeted, but I'd say it's a tiny risk. There's not much reason for the Chinese government, for instance, to be concerned about a small group's business". He said that while China may be interested in exerting influence in Australia, it probably wouldn't impact people's everyday lives. "They're [China] not trying to indoctrinate people; they don't want everyone to speak Chinese in school. There are 1.5 billion of them, they don't care what 25 or so million Australians think," he added. Kennedy felt that the AFP's focus on foreign interference was "out of proportion" with the reality of the danger. "I think foreign interference is just an unnecessary headline that creates tension that doesn't need to be put out there," he said. "The AFP is saying it's very dangerous, but it's not." Any concerns and/or instances of foreign interference in the community can be reported to the National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400
